On 19 January 2021, a Working Arrangement between Europol and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) entered into force. The Working Arrangement lays down detailed practical modalities concerning cooperative efforts to fight crimes affecting the EU’s financial interests.

The agreement sets out a number of rules for the exchange of information, including:

• The exchange of personal data;
• The use of information;
• The onward transmission of the information received;
• The assessment of the reliability of the source of the information and the information itself;
• Secure processing of personal data.

Furthermore, the Working Arrangement sets out rules to guarantee the security of information. Regarding the exchange of classified information, it has been agreed that a separate agreement will need to be reached. The establishment, implementation, and operation of a secure communication line for information exchange between EPPO and Europol will also be finalised in an additional memorandum.

Further measures of enhanced cooperation will include regular consultation meetings between liaison officers and experts. The tasks, rights, and obligations of these officers/experts will be governed by a separate instrument.