EURIEC aims to boost the cross-border administrative collaboration against organised crime between Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
We achieve this by building networks and discussion platforms, raising awareness about the administrative approach against cross-border organised crime, and offering support in case studies. We also continuously provide information products that increase knowledge about the possibilities of international information exchange.
In doing so, we closely collaborate with the Belgian ARIECs, our German Partners, and the Dutch RIECs. This enables experts from participating countries to connect faster and leads to improved general awareness about the administrative approach against organised crime.
New explainer video: EURIEC’s value for an effective cross-border administrative approach
Tasks of EURIEC
Although EURIEC has given cross-border administrative collaboration an impetus since 2019, the need for international cooperation and information exchange for administrative purposes remains.
During the second phase of the EURIEC, the period of 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2023, we are focusing our efforts – in collaboration with our Belgian, Dutch and German partners – on three areas, in addition to offering support in case studies and increasing awareness:
- Initiating changes to current and new legislation and regulations at the national and European level.
- Continuing the development of structural consultation platforms.
- Increasing awareness about the need for information exchange for administrative purposes at the international level.
Awareness
We employ various awareness activities due to the differences in awareness about the administrative approach between Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands — varying from establishing networks and organising gatherings, presentations, and colleges, to publishing (scientific) articles, sample letters and an overview of professional terminology.
Case studies
Based on over 130 case studies, we gained insight into the opportunities and obstacles regarding the cross-border exchange of information for administrative purposes. We published these insights in reports and practical guides.
Scientific Support
We maintain close cooperation with the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven – B), the Hochschule für Polizei und öffentliche Verwaltung North Rhine-Westphalia (HSPV NRW – D) and Maastricht University (N). The HSPV NRW and the KU Leuven provide the EURIEC project with substantive and legal support by assessing the findings in concrete cases. Maastricht University supports the effective improvement of cross-border administrative approach and collaboration in the three countries.
History of EURIEC
Foundation
On 17 May 2018, the RIEC Limburg, along with Belgian ARIECs and the competent authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia, was instructed to set up a Euro-regional Information and Expertise Centre to offer support for the administrative fight against cross-border organised crime, the EURIEC. This instruction was issued by means of a letter of intent that was signed by Jan Jambon (the former Minister for Security and Domestic Affairs in Belgium), Herbert Reul (the North Rhine-Westphalia Innenminister) and Ferdinand Grapperhaus (the Minister of Security and Justice in the Netherlands).
First phase
During the first phase of the EURIEC, the period from 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2021, we identified the opportunities and challenges for cross-border information exchange for administrative purposes. These findings are summarised in the EURIEC Final Report.
