The Council of the European Union is considering a proposal to conclude an agreement between the EU and Algeria that would allow Eurojust and Algerian judicial authorities to exchange personal data for investigating and prosecuting serious crime, including organised crime, terrorism, corruption, money laundering, and cybercrime. The proposal, published on 25 June 2026, is scheduled for discussion at the Council meeting on 29 June 2026.
The agreement defines "competent authority" for Algeria as any national authority listed in Annex II, and for the Union as Eurojust. Algeria must second a Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust (Article 5); Eurojust may second a Liaison Magistrate to Algeria (Article 7). Personal data may only be processed for prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of criminal offences (Article 9).
Onward transfers of personal data by Algeria to other Algerian authorities require Eurojust's prior explicit authorisation, except for bodies listed in Annex IV (Article 13(1)). Onward transfers by Algeria to a third country or international organisation are prohibited unless Eurojust gives prior explicit authorisation, the data is not covered by Article 11, and the purpose is the same (Article 13(2)). Onward transfers by Eurojust to other EU bodies or Member State authorities require Algeria's prior explicit authorisation, except for authorities listed in Annex III (Article 13(3)). Onward transfers by Eurojust to a third country or international organisation are prohibited unless Algeria gives prior explicit authorisation, the data is not covered by Article 11, and the purpose is the same (Article 13(4)).
Transfer of special categories of personal data (e.g., racial origin, health data) is allowed only where strictly necessary and proportionate for investigating serious crime (Article 11). Decisions based solely on automated processing of transferred personal data that produce adverse legal effects are prohibited, unless authorised by law for investigating serious crime with appropriate safeguards (Article 12). Data subjects have the right to access confirmation of whether their personal data is being processed (Article 14).
The agreement would enhance Eurojust's ability to combat cross-border crime by enabling direct data exchange with Algeria, benefiting EU law enforcement and judicial authorities. Algerian authorities gain access to Eurojust's resources but must comply with strict data protection conditions, potentially increasing administrative burden. EU citizens' personal data transferred under the agreement would have safeguards against unauthorised onward transfers and automated decision-making, but the allowance for special category data processing raises privacy concerns. The requirement for liaison officials strengthens operational cooperation but imposes staffing obligations on both sides.
The Council is expected to debate the proposal on 29 June 2026. If adopted, the European Parliament will be consulted before the Council can conclude the agreement. The agreement will enter into force after ratification by both parties.