Polish parliamentary committees approved a new agreement with Ukraine to enhance cooperation in combating crime, replacing a 1999 treaty.
Poland-Ukraine Crime Cooperation Agreement Cleared
Sejm committees have given the green light to a treaty between Poland and Ukraine focused on preventing, detecting, and combating crime, prosecuting offenders, and locating missing persons.
The committees did not propose any amendments to the ratification bill on Wednesday. The agreement aims to modernize legal frameworks for preventing acts of sabotage and other crimes.
Vote Results and Scope of the Agreement
Twenty-eight lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, with one against and nine abstentions. The new agreement will supersede the existing 1999 treaty between Poland and Ukraine.
Enhanced Cooperation Measures
The agreement includes provisions for controlled delivery of illicit materials and the exchange of liaison officers. It outlines the rights of officials from one country operating within the territory of the other.
Cooperation will be based on mutual exchange of information regarding offenders, suspects, and criminal organizations, with the possibility of refusing information requests.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
Deputy Minister of Interior and Administration Czesław Mroczek emphasized the need to adapt cooperation to modern challenges and threats. Negotiations for the agreement were lengthy, but ultimately successful.
Both sides commit to collaborating on preventing, detecting, and combating crimes within their respective legal frameworks, including mutual legal assistance.
Focus on Missing Persons and Illicit Goods
The agreement also covers cooperation in locating missing persons or those evading law enforcement, identifying unidentified individuals, and searching for criminal property or proceeds of crime.
Increased Cross-Border Activity and Security Concerns
Deputy Foreign Minister Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski highlighted a significant increase in Ukrainian citizens in Poland following the Russian aggression, leading to a rise in crimes involving Ukrainian nationals as both perpetrators and victims.
He noted the agreement addresses the growing volume of courier services between Ukraine and Poland, necessitating oversight of potential illicit goods like drugs, weapons, and currency.
Previous Agreement Details
The 1999 agreement focused on cooperation between security and public order agencies to combat organized crime, including terrorism, illegal trafficking of radioactive materials, weapons, explosives, and illegal migration.
It also addressed issues like counterfeiting, money laundering, and the search for wanted persons and missing individuals.
Implementation and Entry into Force
The ratification law will come into effect 14 days after its official publication. (PAP)
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