The European Commission has proposed measures to strengthen the EU’s response to an evolving criminal landscape that is becoming more sophisticated, international and digital. To tackle crime effectively, police, customs, prosecutors and courts must work closely together from the start of investigations to final judgments.
Europol and Eurojust are EU agencies that are central to the EU’s response to organised cross-border criminal networks, terrorists and hostile actors. The European Commission has proposed to strengthen their capacities and roles to improve the fight against crime, bring criminals to justice more efficiently and better protect EU citizens.
Europol – supporting EU countries in fighting crime across borders
The new rules will ensure Europol can better support EU countries with:
- automated and faster information sharing that enables real-time collaboration on investigations
- setting up Europol Support Offices staffed by former Europol officers that offer greater operational support to EU countries
- creating a technology and innovation hub that can provide an EU-wide picture of capability needs for law enforcement
- stronger cooperation with EU agencies and bodies such as Eurojust and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and reinforced international cooperation with partner countries to jointly tackle global cross-border crime
Eurojust – supporting national prosecutors and judicial authorities
The new rules will strengthen Eurojust’s capacities through
- stronger operational support so that Eurojust can act on its own initiative to identify links between cases
- expanding Eurojust’s mandate in emerging areas of crime, such as cybercrime or gender-based violence
- improving decision-making, with more agile processes and faster action in urgent and complex cases
- improving cooperation with Europol and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office
- stronger international engagement with third countries
These actions will improve cooperation and complementarity between EU agencies and national authorities, including police, customs and courts.
Among other measures, the Commission is also proposing to update the European Investigation Order, a fast and standard procedure for the cross-border gathering of evidence from other EU countries in criminal matter, to make it easier to apply.
It also introduces a new European Remote Participation Order to allow suspects, accused persons and victims to participate remotely in criminal court hearings from a different EU country.
For more information
Factsheet on Europol’s new mandate
Factsheet on Eurojust’s new mandate
ProtectEU Internal Security Strategy
About Europol – Helping make Europe safer
