merrion street

Minister James Browne, TD represented Ireland at an EU - Middle East North Africa (MENA) Ministerial Conference where representatives from many States across both regions considered how to enhance law enforcement cooperation in the fights against common security threats. The conference was hosted by the Portuguese Minister of Home Affairs in Lisbon on 14th February 2023.

Attending the meeting, the Minister said:

“I am delighted to attend today’s Ministerial Conference and represent Ireland to discuss these important topics. We are in a time where transnational crime is constantly evolving and becoming more complex and it is crucial that we continue to innovate to meet the challenges this creates. Serious and organised crime does not respect international borders, and States cannot be successful in combatting it without combined international efforts. Through engagement with representatives from countries across the EU and MENA regions, it is clear thatthe challenges we all face are very similar, and Ireland welcomes all efforts to strengthen strategic law enforcement partnerships between the regions to confront them.”

The Conference culminated with Ministers adopting a number of conclusions aimed at laying the foundations of a Regional Political Dialogue Process and enhanced law enforcement cooperation, pursuits which Ireland supports.

In addition to attending the Ministerial Conference, Minister Browne had a bilateral meeting with the Portuguese Minister for Home Affairs, José Luís Carneiro.

While in Lisbon, Minister Browne also visited the Maritime Analysis and Operation Centre-Narcotics (MAOC-N), a European Law Enforcement Agency which develops and utilises intelligence and coordinates the international operational response to the threat posed by the trafficking of illicit drugs in the maritime and air domains, especially in respect of transatlantic traffic. This EU Project was established by an international treaty signed by then seven EU Member States in 2007, one of which was Ireland.

Minister Browne also took part in an event co-organised by the Danish and Irish Embassies, hosted by the European Commission Representation team to mark the 50th anniversary of Ireland joining the European Communities, now the European Union.

END