POLICE COOPERATION WITHIN THE EU: LEGAL FRAMEWORK, OPERATIONAL MECHANISMS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Abstract

As the Republic of Moldova is fully engaged in fulfilling the conditions for accession to the European Union, it has assumed the obligations arising from its status as a candidate country for EU membership. Public order and public security are widely regarded as the fundamental pillars for ensuring the rule of law and societal stability, both for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova and for those of the European Union, thereby guaranteeing the effective enjoyment of their rights and fundamental freedoms.
Chapter 24 of the EU accession negotiations, entitled “Justice, Freedom and Security”, which encompasses public order and public security, requires sustained commitment and enhanced efforts from all stakeholders involved. It is one of the most demanding chapters of the EU acquis, particularly in view of establishing and safeguarding a common area of freedom, security and justice, free from threats and risks that could undermine the collective security of all EU citizens.
A key component in achieving this objective is police cooperation among the law enforcement authorities of the EU Member States, as well as with those of candidate countries. Such cooperation is founded on respect for fundamental rights and is aimed at preventing, detecting and investigating, in particular, serious crime, as well as other forms of cross-border criminality and unlawful activities.
The purpose of this study is to identify the most significant threats to the rule of law and public security within the European Union, to examine the principal legal provisions and operational mechanisms governing police cooperation, and to analyze the commitments undertaken by the Republic of Moldova in the context of its participation in this process.
The findings, proposals and conclusions presented in this study are intended to serve as a valuable resource for academics, practitioners and policymakers interested in the legal framework and operational mechanisms of police cooperation within the European Union, with a view to strengthening the prevention and effective combating of organized crime, including cross-border crime. Furthermore, the study may serve as a practical case study for those involved in the process of harmonizing national legislation with the EU acquis, given its strong practical orientation.