24/03/2025
In the framework of the EUROFRONT project and as part of the initiative, four Chilean agents have participated in an internship at the Point Atenas Spain.
Chile has formalised its membership of the Point Atenas, an international initiative that connects Latin America and the European Union in the fight against counterfeit documents. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place in the Palacio de la Moneda, with the Undersecretary of the Interior, Luis Cordero Vega, as Chilean representative, and Claudia Andrea Monika Gintersdorfer, Ambassador of the European Union in Chile. The event was also attended by the director of the EUROFRONT programme, José Antonio Cambronero, authorities of the Ministry of the Interior and representatives of the migration areas of the Investigative Police (PDI) and the Carabineros.
Two experts from the European Union have given specialised training to the staff that will integrate the Point Atenas in the country. In addition, four Chilean agents have participated in an internship at the Point Atenas in Spain. This activity has allowed them to learn first-hand about its operational functioning, in addition to enhancing coordination between the two regions.
The initiative was formalised on 3 November 2023 in Madrid with the signature of Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Of these six countries, five have already implemented Point Atenas in their region, pending the launch of Bolivia’s document verification office. In 2025, Chile has officially joined, and Uruguay is expected to join soon.
The establishment of Point Atenas in the Latin American region has consolidated an enquiry system that allows authorities to verify travel documents in real time. At each Point Atenas, experts in the detection of false documents respond to queries from other agents on the authenticity of travellers’ documents. This interconnection not only strengthens border security, but also facilitates cooperation between member countries.
The expansion of the network represents a fundamental step in building stronger mechanisms to prevent transnational crime, as document forgery is linked to other serious crimes such as smuggling of goods or trafficking in human beings. With these advances, the EUROFRONT programme reaffirms its commitment to the fight against counterfeit documents, strengthening border security and promoting more effective cooperation between Latin America and the European Union.
