The police forces of Luxembourg and Germany are joining forces

In light of the evolving nature of pan-European crime, Luxembourg and Germany have established a new framework for cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The agreement was formally signed at Weilerbach Castle, located in the border town of Bollendorf. The document provides for a significant expansion of joint operations, patrols and checks along the shared border between the two countries.

The agreement is based on European regulations, including the Prüm Convention, which has for many years facilitated the exchange of police data within the EU. Although joint patrols have taken place in the past — for example, during the Christmas markets or the Schueberfouer fair — the new agreement formalises this cooperation. According to Gregor Pelzl, President of the Federal Police Headquarters in Koblenz, Luxembourgish police officers will be authorised to operate on the German side of the border, whilst their German counterparts will be authorised to operate within the Grand Duchy.

The practical implementation of the agreement involves an increased presence of joint patrols on key motorways and transit routes. This will enable law enforcement agencies to exchange operational information in real time and coordinate their response as swiftly as possible. It is worth noting that the monitoring will also extend to rail services.

Pascal Peters, Director-General of the Luxembourg Police, has confirmed that checks will be carried out on trains on the main routes heading towards Trier. This initiative will complement existing similar procedures that Luxembourg already carries out in cooperation with its Belgian and French counterparts.

The need to step up measures stems from the fact that modern criminal networks are increasingly disregarding national borders. In particular, border areas play a central role in the logistics of theft, drug trafficking and illegal migration. According to Gregor Pelzl, as criminal organisations become more international, police responses must mirror this trend. The ceremony in Bollendorf also showcased the technical capabilities of the parties involved, including the joint piloting of drones by the German Federal Police. The main message of the meeting was that, in modern Europe, security cannot be confined within national borders.