Around 25 newly appointed Contact Points of the EJN took part in an induction meeting in hybrid format, designed to familiarise them with the Network’s structure, working methods and practical tools for facilitating cross-border judicial cooperation.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the new Contact Points to gain a better understanding of their role within the EJN and to exchange practical experiences on judicial cooperation in cross-border cases.
The programme opened with an introduction to the EJN Presidency Board and the role of EJN Contact Points, presented by Mr Francisco Jiménez-Villarejo, Head of the International Cooperation Unit at the General Prosecutor’s Office in Madrid and EJN Contact Point. The session highlighted the responsibilities of Contact Points and their contribution to the effective functioning of the Network.
The practical dimension of the EJN was addressed in a session on cooperation in cases, led by Mr Joachim Ettenhofer, Chief Prosecutor at the Office of the Prosecutor General in Munich and EJN National Correspondent. Participants were introduced to the ways in which EJN Contact Points can support practitioners dealing with cross-border judicial cooperation requests.
The programme also covered the role of the EJN Secretariat, the organisation and purpose of EJN meetings, and activities aimed at increasing awareness of the Network among judicial practitioners and other relevant stakeholders.
In the afternoon, participants received an introduction to the EJN website and its online tools, followed by a session on the EJN Reporting Tool. These tools are central to the Network’s work, providing practitioners with practical resources and supporting the exchange of information on judicial cooperation.
The induction also addressed cooperation with non-EU States and Partners, reflecting the increasingly international dimension of judicial cooperation. The final sessions focused on EJN working groups and the role of the EJN in judicial cooperation, giving the newly appointed Contact Points an overview of opportunities to contribute to the Network’s ongoing work.
This meeting provided the new Contact Points the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the Network, strengthening the basis for effective cooperation in future cross-border cases.