Brussels, 01/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 26 February, EU justice ministers agreed on a new model agreement on the setting up of joint investigation teams, which are police teams set up by at least two member states to investigate crimes involving more than one country. The main objective is to find evidence and proof for legal cases about the alleged crimes under investigation. The new model agreement is optional and replaces the existing model (approved in 2003). The new model agreement is based on best practices over recent years and should introduce greater flexibility in the formation of investigative teams. The new model agreement includes operational action plans that can be revised regularly in response to changing needs. Each team would have an “evidence collection advisor” to ensure that evidence found in the various countries is eligible in courts in the country where the legal case would be heard. (B.C./transl.fl)