02/03/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 2 March, Eurojust welcomed the mandate given to the European Commission to open negotiations for cooperation agreements between Eurojust and the competent judicial authorities of 13 third countries (see EUROPE 12660/9). The Council of the EU adopted its decision and negotiating directives the day before, following a written procedure (see EUROPE 12665/13). In November 2020, the Commission had recommended to the EU Council to give it a mandate to negotiate agreements with Algeria, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey (see EUROPE 12606/13). For operational purposes, Eurojust and the EU Council had considered that Argentina, Colombia and Brazil should also be included in the list (see EUROPE 12637/15). An important aspect of the negotiations will be to ensure that adequate safeguards are put in place regarding the protection of personal data and fundamental rights, Eurojust said in a statement. (MF)