Міжнародне співробітництво України та органів кримінальної юстиції Європейського Союзу

The article explores the key aspects of international cooperation between Ukraine and the criminal justice authorities of the European Union. It analyzes the concept of criminal justice within the EU, which encompasses a set of legal, institutional, and procedural mechanisms aimed at ensuring criminal justice, preventing and investigating crimes, and holding perpetrators accountable. It is established that the EU criminal justice system includes the following key elements: law enforcement agencies, prosecutorial authorities, judicial institutions, as well as specialized European agencies that provide coordination and analytical support in the fight against transnational crime. The criminal justice authorities of the European Union include: Europol (the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation), Eurojust (the EU Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation), OLAF (European Anti-Fraud Office), EPPO (European Public Prosecutor’s Office), as well as the national bodies of the member states responsible for investigative and prosecutorial activities within the EU legal framework. The study provides a general overview of the activities of Europol as a key analytical and coordination structure that facilitates information exchange between law enforcement agencies of the member states, and provides analytical support in cases involving organized crime, terrorism, human trafficking, cybercrime, corruption, and other serious offenses. It is emphasized that Europol serves as a primary partner for non-EU countries seeking integration into the European security space. The role of Eurojust is examined separately, highlighting its function as a support and coordination body for the prosecutorial and judicial authorities of EU member states in criminal prosecution matters. The main functions of Eurojust include the organization of joint investigation teams, facilitation of mutual recognition of judicial decisions, coordination of extradition procedures, and provision of legal assistance in complex criminal cases with international dimensions. The main forms and directions of Ukraine’s cooperation with Europol and Eurojust are analyzed. These include the signing of international agreements, the creation of joint analytical groups, the exchange of operational information, and participation in international operations and projects. In particular, Ukraine actively cooperates with Europol under both strategic and operational agreements and has representatives at the agency’s headquarters. Cooperation with Eurojust is carried out through a designated contact point, enabling Ukrainian law enforcement authorities to respond more effectively to legal assistance requests, organize international investigations, and initiate joint actions. In conclusion, it is noted that international cooperation between Ukraine and the criminal justice institutions of the EU plays a significant role in strengthening national security, enhancing mechanisms for investigating serious crimes, and facilitating Ukraine’s integration into the European legal space.