Vice hot spot Moldova prepares Europol deal

Date: 02/02/06

Moldova, one of Europe's hot spots for organised crime, is to begin to transfer information to EU police agency Europol.

The country could begin transferring technical and operational information, as well as data on specific individuals to help fight organised crime and terrorism by the end of this year.

Following a meeting with Moldovan Foreign Minister and Vice Prime Minister Andrei Stratan on Tuesday (31 January), the European Commissioner for Freedom, Security and Justice, Franco Frattini said an agreement could be reached in the next twelve months.

"I hope that by the end of the year there will be an agreement between Moldova and Europol on the transfer of security information," he said.

The EU is keen to have the deal in place ahead of Romania's accession to the Union, expected in 2007 or 2008.

With the two states holding close cultural and linguistic ties, there are fears that without improving the situation in Moldova the EU may be faced with great security threats on its doorstep after Romania's accession.

Moldova will become the ninth non-EU state to sign an operation agreement with Europol.

In January this year the Union's police agency signed an agreement with Croatia, which Europol director Max-Peter Ratzel said would help the authorities target specific criminals.

In another sign of deepening ties between Moldova and the EU, Brussels is expected to launch talks shortly on easing EU visa requirements for Moldovan citizens.

But the Commission remains cautious and is calling for Moldova to take steps beforehand to ensure easing visa restrictions does not make it easier for smugglers.

Frattini stressed the necessity for Moldova to reinforce the frontiers, and improve the security of travel documents.

Stratan pointed to Moldova's willingness to introduce biometric passports and agree a re-admission agreement with the EU. "We have showed our willingness to reach such agreements," he said.

Article reports that the European Commission expected that by the end of 2006 an agreement could be reached between Moldova and the European Police Office (Europol) on the transfer of security information. This was the outcome of a meeting between the European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security, Franco Frattini, with Moldova's Foreign Minister Andrei Stratan, 31.1.06.

EEAS: Countries: Moldova http://eeas.europa.eu/moldova/index_en.htm

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