25 Years of German-French Security Collaboration: Joint Center Handles 21,000 Inquiries Annually

September 5, 2024
25 Years of German-French Security Collaboration: Joint Center Handles 21,000 Inquiries Annually
  • The center serves as a hub for information exchange, staffed by approximately 60 bilingual personnel who facilitate communication between security authorities.

  • The operational philosophy of the center emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, allowing staff to handle requests across jurisdictions, especially during nighttime or weekends.

  • This integrated approach reflects a commitment to addressing both minor and medium-level crimes, as well as major security incidents, such as recent attacks on French railway facilities.

  • In the previous year, the joint German-French office received over 21,000 inquiries, demonstrating the extensive reach and importance of their collaborative efforts.

  • For over 25 years, German and French authorities have collaborated on internal security at their shared border, establishing a robust framework for cooperation.

  • This collaboration is exemplified by a joint center, the first of its kind in Europe, which opened in Offenburg, Germany, in 1999 and later relocated to Kehl in 2002.

  • Alain Winter, a French police officer, shared a notable case involving a child's kidnapping that required extensive collaboration between German and French authorities.

  • For instance, the process for handling vehicle thefts involves coordinated efforts between German and French police to track stolen vehicles using GPS technology.

  • Maxime Fischer, the German coordinator of the center, noted that they focus on a range of security issues, highlighting the importance of ongoing communication in complex cases.

  • Officials from federal and state police, along with customs, operate 24/7 in the Kehl office, exchanging critical data to enhance security measures.

  • Negotiations are currently underway to reform the Mondorfer Agreement of 1997, aiming to enhance police and customs cooperation beyond just border areas.

  • At an upcoming meeting, Baden-Württemberg's Interior Minister Thomas Strobl and Josiane Chevalier, Prefect of the Grand Est region in France, will underscore the center's significance for cross-border security.

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