European Union and Ecuadorian authorities inaugurate a Fusion Centre for the joint fight against organised crime

At an official event held in Guayaquil, the Ecuadorian-European Fusion Center was inaugurated, made up of special units selected from Ecuadorian security institutions. The Centre has been launched by the Project Strengthening Security Coordination Mechanisms in Guayaquil (EUFORT-EC), co-financed by the Foreign policy Instrument (FPI) of the European Union and implemented by Expertise France, with the Portuguese Judicial Police, the Belgian Federal Police and the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre for Drug Trafficking as partners.

The Fusion Center represents the deep commitment between the European Union and Ecuador to the fight against organised crime and seeks to consolidate the inter-institutional articulation in the country and in the region. It is the first center of its kind in Latin America with a modern port security approach, inspired by successful European models.

The event was attended by Alejandro Dávalos, deputy chancellor of Ecuador; Gian Carlo Loffredo, Minister of Defence; John Reimberg, Minister of the Interior; Jekaterina Doródnova, EU Ambassador to Ecuador; Philippe Letrilliart, Ambassador of France; Giovanni Davoli, Ambassador of Italy; José Ferreira, Executive Director of the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre for Narcotrafficking MAOC (N); Michael Liebsch, liaison officer of the German Criminal Investigation Office; Murielle Gurtner, Regional Coordinator for the Andean Countries of Expertise France; Yves Rolls, Director of EUFORT-EC; among other representatives of Ecuadorian institutions.

The agenda included a tour of the Fusion Centre facilities to learn about the work of its staff. The National Police and the Ecuadorian Navy are actively involved in the Centre, which is fully operational. The infrastructure is equipped with furniture, hardware and software, which includes robust technological solutions for information security and intelligence, thus creating optimal technical and logistical conditions.

Subsequently, the authorities participated in a protocol event where the memorandums of understanding were signed between the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre on Narcotrafficking MAOC, the National Police and the Ecuadorian Navy consolidating regional cooperation and collaboration. In addition, a plaque was unveiled in thanks to the cooperation of the European Union and the EUFORT-EC Project for their valuable support to Ecuador, in favor of greater coordination in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and organised crime.

Ecuador and Europe have a strong, dynamic and strategic relationship to address the challenges of global security, justice and social peace. As Team Europe, we work together with the Ecuadorian authorities to combat transnational organised crime. The contribution of the cooperation of the European Union to Ecuador in security matters amounts to about USD 30 M in bilateral and regional programmes in the last 3 years. Important direct contributions from our Member States are added to strengthen the fight against organised crime on different fronts. Our cooperation is proudly the result of an annual technical dialogue, through the Technical Security Boards that are maintained between the EU and Ecuador, and constitute a mechanism for the joint evaluation and analysis of our cooperation and its programmes. (Jekaterina Dorodnova, EU Ambassador in Ecuador)

Similarly, the Executive Director of the MAOC (N) mentioned that: “Similar to the MAOC (N) model, the Fusion Centre will facilitate efficient intelligence sharing and coordination of operational resources, enabling joint planning and execution of high-impact anti-drug operations. The implementation of an inter-institutional cooperation model at national level in Ecuador also opens the way for strengthened collaboration with like-minded international partners and similar organisations, thus strengthening the country’s capacity to deal with transnational security threats.”

The Minister of the Interior stressed: “The Fusion Centre is a key strategic tool in the fight against transnational crime and criminal economies, particularly in the port area. This joint effort is carried out within the framework of the EUFORT-EC Project of the European Union, in coordination with the Security Block and other State entities, which clearly demonstrates the relevance of international cooperation as a fundamental pillar in the fight against drug trafficking and in the strengthening of port and maritime security”.

The Minister of Defense explained that: “These battles are not fought in isolation. Organised crime and drug trafficking are threats that cross borders, so responses must also be shared, coordinated and accountable. The EUFORT-EC project supported by the European Union is a concrete example of such cooperation.”

On his side, the Surrogate Chancellor noted that: “Today, through the EUFORT-EC project, our relationship is strengthened to face one of the most complex and urgent challenges of our common agenda, the fight against transnational organised crime and the protection of citizen security”.

About EUFORT-EC

The project Strengthening Security Coordination Mechanisms in Guayaquil (EUFORT-EC) aims to generate more efficient and coordinated forms of work among state institutions involved in the fight against transnational organized crime, promoting measures to reduce illicit drug trafficking flows between Ecuador and the EU. 

With a budget of $2.3M from the Foreign policy Instrument (FPI) of the European Union and a duration of 18 months, the initiative has two main components:

1. Create, train and equip a National Intelligence and Coordination Center (Fusion Center) composed of special units selected from Ecuadorian security institutions. 

2. Strengthen the port security system in Guayaquil Bay to reduce the flow of illicit drugs to Europe. 

The project contributes directly to the EU Global Action Plan against Organised Crime and to the Ecuadorian State's security priorities.