Brussels, 20/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - In Dublin on Monday 20 September, European Commissioner for Taxation and the Customs Union Algirdas Šemeta opened the first-ever high-level conference to boost cooperation between the EU and the United States in the fight against cigarette smuggling. This illegal trade is estimated to cost the European taxpayer €10 billion a year and helps to finance terrorism and organised crime. Given the global dimension of the problem, “a strong and active global response” is vital, said the commissioner. In light of the promising results already achieved via the partnership with the US in this field, the commissioner added that “there is strong commitment on both sides to continuing this cooperation, and to developing it even further”. In order to do this, collaboration will be strengthened by an exchange of information and coordinated actions in the framework of investigations carried out by the competent services of both parties. As well as the commissioner and the Irish finance minister, Brian Lenihan, who opened the conference, European figures taking part included members of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), and investigators and prosecutors sent by the member states. From the US, the Department of Justice, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau were all represented at the conference. (F.G./transl.fl)