Those involved believe that the treaty can prove useful, among other things, in the field of drug crime – which mainly affects Belgium and the Netherlands.
“The treaty removes the barriers and makes police cooperation between our countries easier and more efficient,” Secretary General of the Benelux Frans Weekers said on Thursday at the signing, which was also attended by Minister of the Interior Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) and Dutch Minister of Security Dilan. Yeşilgöz were present.
For example, there will no longer be any obstacles in the field of cross-border pursuits, he indicated. Until now, police officers had difficulty pursuing vehicles crossing the border on foreign territory, but those restrictions are disappearing.
Police services will also be allowed to conduct certain investigative acts, such as witness or victim interviews, everywhere in the Benelux. And in crisis situations, the special units of the police forces will be allowed to operate across borders. “It is the best, most far-reaching police treaty in Europe,” said Weekers.