On 25 June 2026, the European Commission submitted a proposal for a Council decision to conclude an agreement between the EU and Algeria that allows Eurojust and Algerian judicial authorities to exchange personal data for criminal justice cooperation. The Council is scheduled to consider the proposal at its meeting on 29 June 2026.
The agreement provides a legal basis for exchanging personal data, with adequate safeguards for privacy and fundamental rights as required by the Eurojust Regulation (EU) 2018/1727. It covers cooperation in criminal matters, including the secondment of an Algerian Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust and the possible posting of an EU Liaison Magistrate to Algeria. A key provision (Article 10(6)) prohibits using exchanged information in connection with the death penalty or human rights violations.
Algeria gave its final agreement on 3 February 2026, paving the way for the Commission's proposal. The agreement enters into force on the first day of the second month after both parties notify completion of their internal procedures. The proposal states there are no budgetary implications for the EU budget.
For EU law enforcement and judicial authorities, the agreement enables faster cross-border data exchange in criminal investigations involving Algeria, a key partner in the Southern Neighbourhood. For Algerian authorities, it provides a structured framework for cooperation with Eurojust, including the possibility of a liaison presence. Privacy advocates may scrutinise the adequacy of safeguards, particularly given Algeria's human rights record, though the explicit ban on death penalty-related use addresses a core concern. The agreement also benefits EU citizens by potentially improving the effectiveness of cross-border criminal investigations.
Following Council adoption, the decision will be published in the Official Journal, and both parties will proceed with their ratification procedures.