Information exchange for the purpose of combating crime to be enhanced between EU Member States

The Government proposes that the President of the Republic approve the Act on the Exchange of Information between the Law Enforcement Authorities of Member States of the European Union and certain related acts and that they enter into force on 20 December 2024. The new Act aims to improve the exchange of information between EU Member States for the purpose of combating crime.

The new Act is based on the EU Directive on the exchange of information between the law enforcement authorities of Member States, adopted in spring 2023, the purpose of which is to harmonise the rules for adequate and rapid exchange of information between authorities. The Act lays down provisions on uniform rules for the exchange of information and a single case management system to be introduced in EU Member States. The objective is to combat cross-border crime in an effective and efficient manner.

Europol plays a key role in the management of criminal information at EU level. Europol’s Secure Information Exchange Network Application (SIENA) will serve as the primary channel for exchanging information between EU Member States. A Single Point of Contact to be established or designated in each Member State, operating 24 hours a day, will be responsible for providing information to the authorities of other Member States within a set time limit.

The National Bureau of Investigation will serve as the Single Point of Contact in Finland. The Act will not give any new powers to the authorities. The competent law enforcement authorities in Finland will be the Police, Finnish Customs and the Finnish Border Guard.
Furthermore, technical amendments resulting from the new Act have been made to certain other acts. The Acts are scheduled to enter into force on 20 December 2024.

Inquiries:
Katariina Simonen, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 488 212, [email protected]