EJN Secretariat

Mission

In accordance with the provisions of Article 2 (8) of the EJN Decision, the EJN Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the European Judicial Network.

According to Article 25a (b) of Council Decision 2002/187/JHA of 28 February 2002 setting up of Eurojust with a view to renforcing the fight against serious crime, as amended by the Council Decision 2003/659/JHA and by Council Decision 2008/426/JHA of 16 December 2008 on the strengthening of Eurojust (hereinafter "the Eurojust Decision"), the EJN Secretariat forms part of the Eurojust staff, but functioning as a separate unit. It enjoys autonomy, as stated in paragraph 20 of the Council Decision 2008/426/JHA of 16 December 2008 on the strengthening of Eurojust.

As the administrating body of the European Judicial Network, providing the EJN with the necessary professional experience, history and continuity, the EJN Secretariat tasks in practical terms inter alia include:

  • ensuring the proper administration of the EJN, with a view toenabling the EJN contact points to fulfil their tasks and keeping the EJN identity;
  • setting up, maintenance and improvement of the EJN information system/website;
  • drafting documents related to activities of the EJN (including reports referred to in Article 13 of the EJN Decision);
  • keeping a general up-to-date record of projects and decisions taken within the EJN;
  • providing support to the Member State holding the Presidency of the Council in relation to the organization of meetings;
  • sharing of information on the challenges, achievements, difficulties and any other issues of general interest for the EJN with the EJN contact points on a permanent consultation basis (e. g. through a newsletter) ;
  • preparation of draft Action plans for the new and ongoing projects of the EJN after consultation with the national correspondents;
  • establishment and maintenance of relations with other bodies and structures in the field of judicial cooperation in criminal matters, within and outside the EU; and
  • promotion of the EJN, including presentation of the EJN in meetings, conferences or other events organized both within the EU or outside by partners in third countries or international organizations.

Vision

The EJN Secretariat shall have its own identity, to be able not only to represent the EJN in close consultation and coordination with the Member State which holds the Presidency of the Council and to fulfil its tasks according to the EJN Decision, but also to be a visionary team, to identify new areas where the EJN may be involved or focused on, taking advantage of its strategic position and transmitting to the national correspondents updated information concerning what is going on in the field of the international judicial cooperation. For these reasons, the EJN Secretariat has to be equipped by all the means necessary in order to fulfil its important tasks, including human, financial and other material resources.

EJN Secretariat

Johan de Wittlaan 9
2517 JR The Hague
The Netherlands
Fax: +31 (0) 70 412 5570