On 8 July 2026, the Council of the European Union approved an agreement between the EU and Algeria that allows the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) to cooperate with Algerian judicial authorities in criminal matters, including the transfer of personal data to combat serious crime and terrorism. The decision, adopted as a revised text on 6 July 2026, marks a formal step in enhancing judicial cooperation with a key North African partner.
The agreement enables personal data transfers between Eurojust and Algeria’s competent authorities for fighting serious crime and terrorism, aiming to protect EU security and citizens. It includes safeguards to ensure full respect of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, particularly privacy (Article 7), data protection (Article 8), and effective remedy (Article 47). The Commission is authorised to approve modifications to annexes, agree modalities for continued use or storage of already-communicated information, and update notification addressee details, all after consulting the Council.
Ireland, bound by Regulation (EU) 2018/1727, participates in the decision. Denmark, however, is not taking part and is not bound by the decision, which will not apply to Denmark. The decision enters into force on the date of its adoption.
The agreement strengthens Eurojust’s operational reach, potentially improving cross-border investigations into terrorism and organised crime. For EU citizens, the data-sharing framework includes privacy safeguards, though some civil liberties groups may raise concerns about data protection adequacy in Algeria. For EU law enforcement agencies, the agreement provides a legal basis for cooperation, while Algerian authorities gain access to Eurojust’s coordination tools. The exclusion of Denmark means Danish authorities will not benefit from the agreement, potentially limiting their cooperation with Algeria in serious crime cases.
No further institutional follow-up is specified; the decision is final and the agreement will be implemented once ratified by Algeria.