COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2024/2705

of 10 October 2024

on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Lebanese Republic on the cooperation between the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) and the authorities of the Lebanese Republic competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 16(2) and Article 85, in conjunction with Article 218(5) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1) Article 47(1) and Article 52(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1727 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) provide that Eurojust may establish and maintain cooperation with authorities of third countries based on a cooperation strategy.

(2) Pursuant to Article 56(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1727, Eurojust may transfer personal data to an authority of a third country provided that, inter alia, an international agreement has been concluded between the Union and that third country pursuant to Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), that provides for adequate safeguards with respect to the protection of privacy and fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.

(3) On 1 March 2021, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with the Lebanese Republic for an agreement on cooperation between the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) and the authorities of the Lebanese Republic competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters (‘the Agreement’).

(4) The negotiations on the Agreement were successfully finalised, at the level of the negotiation teams, in July 2023.

(5) The Agreement enables the transfer of personal data between Eurojust and the competent authorities of the Lebanese Republic, with a view to fighting serious crime and terrorism and protecting the security of the Union and its citizens.

(6) The Agreement ensures full respect of the fundamental rights of the Union, in particular the right to respect for private and family life, the right to the protection of personal data, and the right to an effective remedy and a fair trial laid down in Articles 7, 8 and 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, respectively. In particular, the Agreement includes adequate safeguards for the protection of personal data transferred by Eurojust under the Agreement.

(7) Ireland is bound by Regulation (EU) 2018/1727 and is therefore taking part in the adoption of this Decision.

(8) In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the TFEU, Denmark is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

(9) The European Data Protection Supervisor delivered its Opinion 19/2024 on 28 August 2024.

(10) The Agreement should be signed.

(11) In accordance with the Treaties, the Commission should ensure the signing of the Agreement, subject to its conclusion,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Lebanese Republic on the cooperation between the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) and the authorities of the Lebanese Republic competent for judicial cooperation in criminal matters (‘the Agreement’) is hereby authorised, subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement (2).

Article 2

The Commission shall ensure the signing of the Agreement, subject to its conclusion.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

Done at Luxembourg, 10 October 2024.

For the Council

The President

PINTÉR S.

(1) Regulation (EU) 2018/1727 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 on the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), and replacing and repealing Council Decision 2002/187/JHA, (

OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 138

(2) The text of the Agreement will be published together with the decision on its conclusion.

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/2705/oj

ISSN 1977-0677 (electronic edition)