Finland's accession to the Treaty of Prüm under discussion in Parliament

"At the moment the Finnish Parliament is discussing Finland's accession to the Treaty of Prüm. The aim is for Parliament to adopt Finland's accession at the beginning of next year," said the Finnish Minister of the Interior, Kari Rajamäki, at the signature of a joint political declaration of the implementation of the Treaty in Brussels on 5 December.

"In the enlarged European Union the security of our citizens can be best guaranteed when the law enforcement authorities of the EU member states cooperate closely across borders in order to combat organised crime. The Treaty of Prüm reinforces the exchange of information. For this reason Finland wants to take part in developing internal security cooperation in the EU," Mr Rajamäki continued.

According to Mr Rajamäki, the requirement for unanimity in security issues has slowed down police cooperation between EU countries. This is worrying since the EU's approval rating in the eyes of its citizens is determined largely by how well it can combat drug-related crime, human trafficking and terrorism.

The Treaty of Prüm, which was signed on 27 May 2005, is a convention between seven EU countries to step up cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism, cross-border crime and illegal migration. Italy, Portugal and Slovenia have also expressed their interest in joining the Treaty.

For further information, please contact Antti Pelttari, Director-General, tel. +358 9 160 42290, or Johanna Puiro, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 9 160 42265