Council Decision 2003/170/JHA of 27 February 2003 on the common use of liaison officers posted abroad by the law enforcement agencies of the Member States

The purpose of this Decision is to create a common framework for liaison officers seconded from the Member States with the aim of improving cooperation in preventing and combating all forms of international crime.

On the basis of the experience gained as a result of Joint Action 96/602/JHA and in the light of the provisions of the Treaty of Amsterdam, the purpose of the Decision is to strengthen cooperation on the posting of liaison officers to third countries and international organisations in order to combat serious forms of cross-border crime more effectively.

"Liaison officer" means a representative of one of the Member States, posted abroad by a law enforcement agency to one or more third countries or to international organisations to establish and maintain contacts with the authorities in those countries or organisations with a view to preventing or investigating criminal offences. "Europol liaison officers" are employees seconded from Europol to enhance cooperation between third countries or organisations and Europol and to help combat serious forms of international crime.

Any Member State which does not have a liaison officer in a third country may approach another Member State which does.

This decision was amended by Council Decision 2006/560/JHA of 24 July 2006 amending Decision 2003/170/JHA on the common use of liaison officers posted abroad by the law enforcement agencies of the Member States.