Police cooperation (Prüm Decision)

Handcuffs
© Rike, pixelio.de

Switzerland engaged in talks with the EU with the aim of participating in police cooperation under the Prüm Decision and signed an agreement to this effect on 27 June 2019. The cooperation introduced with the Prüm Decision aims to improve cross-border police cooperation between the member states of the European Union (EU).

In order to combat international crime and terrorism effectively, the authorities responsible need to be able to exchange police information quickly and efficiently, especially in the case of DNA profiles, fingerprints and data on vehicles and their owners. This exchange of information is a central element of the Prüm Decision to step up cross-border cooperation within the EU. It enables checks to be carried out within the shortest possible time to establish whether data on any person or item is already stored in the database of another Prüm state. All EU member states cooperate under the Prüm Decision, while Norway and Iceland have established a participation agreement with the EU.

Chronology

  • 28.04.2022 – Ratification of the Agreement by Switzerland
  • 27.06.2019 – Signing of the Agreement
  • 11.05.2017– Start of the negotiations 

Status September 2022