The integration of the “Prüm Treaty” into EU legislation: Council decision on the stepping up of cross-border co-operation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime

The Justice and Home Affairs Council have reached agreement about a Council Decision on the stepping up of cross-border co-operation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime, incorporating in the framework of the Union important provisions of the Prüm Treaty dealing with police co-operation and information exchange on DNA-profiles, fingerprints and vehicle number-plates. Vice-president Frattini, Commissioner responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security, welcomes the agreement on this legal instrument: "This is the result of very expedient discussions in the Council with a view to rapidly achieving real progress. Cross-border crime and terrorism demand an effective and efficient cross-border response by police and criminal justice. It is a very important first step in view of the implementation of the principle of availability."