Eurojust Annual Report 2004

Abstract:

This is our third Annual Report. It has been prepared in accordance with Article 32(1) of the Eurojust Decision which requires that the President, on behalf of the College, "shall report to the Council in writing every year on the activities and management, including budgetary management, of Eurojust."

I am very pleased to report that the number of cases referred to the College in 2004 increased by more than 27% over the figure for 2003, which reflects the continued trend of growth in our casework. There was a 50% increase in 2003 over the number of cases referred in 2002. During 2004 there was a significant and impressive increase of almost 40% in the number of multilateral cases referred to the College, as well as an increase in the number of cases of seriousness and gravity.

It is significant that more cases were referred to Eurojust for assistance at an early stage of international investigations. When this happens Eurojust can save resources and add real value for those fighting international crime. We are pleased but still not satisfied with these increases and improvements. We are confident that more cases could be referred to Eurojust, as the College still does not feel that Eurojust’s capacity to deal with casework is being fully exploited. Many significant multilateral cases which are being dealt with by authorities in the Member States are not being referred to Eurojust. We feel that, in many of these cases, Eurojust’s contribution would often be very beneficial. Promulgating the message that Eurojust has the capacity to add value in the fight against organised cross-border crime remains a key part of our work.

Our 2003 Annual Report expressed disappointment that the Dutch authorities had not finished our conference rooms by the end of that year, which consequently restricted our capacity. Work on our larger conference room was completed at the end of February and a second specialist conference room was completed in December. We are very proud of these facilities, which will undoubtedly assist us in achieving our assigned objectives.