Czech Parliament approves new police cooperation treaty with Slovakia

The Czech Parliament has approved a new international agreement on police cooperation with Slovakia. The treaty aims to modernize security collaboration and address challenges following both nations' integration into the Schengen Area.

The agreement expands the powers of police officers, allowing them to conduct activities and cross borders into the neighboring state during joint operations. This includes enhanced capabilities for cross-border search and rescue missions and cooperation during temporary border closures.

The document replaces a 2004 treaty that the Czech Ministry of the Interior deemed insufficient for current security demands. The agreement was signed in Bratislava by Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok and Czech Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar. The treaty now awaits final ratification by Czech President Petr Pavel.