COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2024/447

of 29 January 2024

on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia on the cooperation between the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) and the authorities of the Republic of Armenia competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 16(2) and Article 85, in conjunction with Article 218(5) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1) Articles 47(1) and 52(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1727 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) provide that Eurojust may establish and maintain cooperation with authorities of third countries on the basis of a cooperation strategy.

(2) Pursuant to Article 56(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1727, Eurojust may transfer personal data to an authority of a third country provided that, inter alia, an international agreement has been concluded between the Union and that third country pursuant to Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) that provides for adequate safeguards with respect to the protection of privacy and fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.

(3) On 1 March 2021, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with the Republic of Armenia for an agreement on the cooperation between the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) and the authorities of the Republic of Armenia competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters.

(4) The negotiations on the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia on the cooperation between the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) and the authorities of the Republic of Armenia competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters (‘the Agreement’) were successfully finalised in October 2022.

(5) The Agreement enables the transfer of personal data between Eurojust and the competent authorities of the Republic of Armenia, with a view to fighting serious crime and terrorism and protecting the security of the Union and its citizens.

(6) The Agreement ensures full respect of the fundamental rights of the Union, in particular the right to respect for private and family life, the right to the protection of personal data, and the right to an effective remedy and a fair trial laid down in Articles 7, 8 and 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, respectively. In particular, the Agreement includes adequate safeguards for the protection of personal data transferred by Eurojust under the Agreement.

(7) Ireland is bound by Regulation (EU) 2018/1727 and is therefore taking part in the adoption of this Decision.

(8) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

(9) The European Data Protection Supervisor delivered its opinion 52/2023 on 11 December 2023.

(10) Therefore, the Agreement should be signed on behalf of the Union, subject to its conclusion at a later date,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia on the cooperation between the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) and the authorities of the Republic of Armenia competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters (‘the Agreement’) is hereby authorised, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement (2).

Article 2

The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Union.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Brussels, 29 January 2024.

For the Council

The President

H. LAHBIB

(1) Regulation (EU) 2018/1727 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 on the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), and replacing and repealing Council Decision 2002/187/JHA (

OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 138

(2) The text of the Agreement will be published together with the decision on its conclusion.

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/447/oj

ISSN 1977-0677 (electronic edition)