Assita Kanko: “Stronger judicial cooperation makes Europe safer”

N-VA MEP and ECR The N-VA is a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), a conservative, eurorealistic parliamentary group in the European Parliament. The N-VA shares their realistic view of the European project and also advocates for the correct and intensive application of the subsidiarity principle. For example, we must not be afraid to ask ourselves if it would be better to leave certain European initiatives to the Member States. The N-VA also identifies with the emphases that the ECR places on the social-economic issues. Since the 2014 elections, the ECR has become the third largest parliamentary group in the European Parliament. ECR coordinator for Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs Assita Kanko led a delegation of European Parliament members on a visit to Eurojust. The delegation focused on the crucial role of the EU agency in combating organized crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. The visit provided insights into Eurojust’s mandate and how it bridges the gap between national legal systems to ensure a more effective approach to cross-border crime.

An indispensable partner

“This visit was an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Eurojust’s work and explore how we, as lawmakers, can further support its mission,” Kanko stated. “In a world where crime knows no borders, judicial cooperation is more important than ever.”

Eurojust, alongside Europol, has proven to be an essential partner in the fight against transnational crime, terrorism, drug trafficking, and human smuggling. By coordinating efforts between national prosecutors, criminals can no longer evade justice simply by crossing a border. “Without a strong judicial system, police efforts are in vain. Our goal is to make Europe safer for all citizens. Criminals must not be allowed to win. Effective law enforcement and judicial cooperation are the key to defeating them. That is why we must invest in Justice.”

More resources needed

“It’s not just about financial resources, but also about implementing existing legislation—such as the platform for joint investigation teams. This platform was enabled by a law we passed in the previous parliamentary term, but it still needs to become fully operational to accelerate judicial and law enforcement cooperation.”

Kanko emphasized the need for closer collaboration between national investigative and prosecution authorities. “Justice and security must remain top priorities, while respecting the sovereignty of member states. Today, that very sovereignty is under threat—not by other nations, but by criminals.”