An informal videoconference meeting of the Ministers of the Interior of the European Union (EU) Member States took place on Tuesday, July 7, at which Germany, as the incoming EU Presidency of the Council of the EU, presented its priorities for action. Latvia was represented at the meeting by Dimitrijs Trofimovs, State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior.
In the course of the meeting, the European Police Partnership, as well as search and rescue operations at sea, were discussed. Germany wants to improve cooperation and exchange of information between police authorities in Europe during its Presidency, by streamlining and continuously improving information management, and by making Europol a sound information and innovation centre. The Presidency wants every police officer in every Member State to have access to the information he needs from any Member State at any time, as it will strengthen European security in the long term.
When discussing police cooperation within the EU, D. Trofimov emphasized that "The exchange of real, full and informed information between police officers in EU countries will significantly increase the overall security situation in the EU and give a greater sense of security to the public. At the same time, Europol's mandate should also be strengthened so that it can provide more, effective and innovative support to Member States in cross-border matters.”
Ministers were also invited to discuss providing assistance to the Mediterranean countries in order to reduce migratory pressure, to promote the fight against human trafficking, and to help protect external borders and to carry out return operations.
Prepared by:
Māris Zariņš
Ministry of the Interior
Head of Communication Department
Phone: 67219213, 29120858
E-mail: maris.zarins@iem.gov.lv