The government of Ecuador has formally ratified a security agreement with the European Union aimed at strengthening the fight against organized crime through expanded information sharing.
President Daniel Noboa approved the agreement through Executive Decree 341 on March 26, following a ruling by the Constitutional Court that legislative approval was not required.
The agreement establishes cooperation between Ecuador and Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency. It allows for the exchange of operational and intelligence information, including certain personal data, to support investigations into criminal networks.
Authorities say the goal is to improve coordination in tackling transnational crimes such as drug trafficking and terrorism.
Ecuador has become a key transit point for drug trafficking routes, particularly for shipments moving from South America to Europe and North America. This has increased pressure on authorities to strengthen international partnerships and intelligence capabilities.
Officials view the agreement as a step toward improving detection, monitoring, and disruption of these networks.
The government has tasked the Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs with implementing the agreement. European officials have emphasized that the cooperation framework includes safeguards to protect fundamental rights and ensure proper handling of shared data.
The agreement aligns with ongoing efforts by Ecuador’s government to intensify its response to organized crime, including increased security measures and expanded international cooperation.
For the European Union, the partnership reflects a broader strategy to strengthen ties with countries along key trafficking routes, recognizing that cross-border coordination is essential to addressing increasingly globalized criminal activity.
The agreement is expected to enhance real-time intelligence sharing, helping authorities on both sides respond more quickly to emerging threats.