According to Europol, more than seven hundred criminal networks are currently active within the European Union, involving roughly 400,000 individuals from 118 countries. These criminals engage in drug trafficking, cybercrime, human smuggling, fraud, and money laundering, among other activities. Most also utilize legitimate corporate structures to conceal their criminal actions, complicating investigations.
The European Commission has therefore presented a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at strengthening cooperation between European and national law enforcement and judicial services. The measures cover the entire criminal justice chain, from investigation and information exchange to prosecution and trial.
Satellite Offices
Europol will receive a significantly expanded set of responsibilities. The agency must be able to process and disseminate information faster through automated systems and a secure cloud environment. The Commission also intends to establish Europol support offices in EU countries to intensify cooperation with national police forces.
Promotion
Additionally, the Commission plans to set up a technology and innovation center within Europol to assist law enforcement agencies in deploying new digital techniques and combating cybercrime. According to the Commission, the rapid digitalization of crime and the growing online threat require new technological expertise and a more modern European approach.
More Personnel
Europol's collaboration with other European bodies and international partners will also be expanded. This should make it easier to conduct joint cross-border investigations and exchange information more swiftly. The European Commission moreover proposes a significant budget increase for Europol to enable the agency to hire additional staff and fulfill its expanding responsibilities.
For Eurojust, the Commission similarly proposes an expansion of powers. The agency should be better able to coordinate cross-border investigations and provide greater support to national judicial authorities. Its scope will also be extended to new types of crime, including cybercrime and violations of European sanction measures.
Remote Participation
Furthermore, the Commission wants to amend the European Investigation Order to simplify evidence collection across member states. A European Order for Remote Participation is also proposed, enabling suspects, witnesses, and experts to participate more easily in criminal proceedings digitally (via video channels), for example to be questioned or tried.
With this package, the Commission aims to better prepare European security services for a criminal landscape that Europol describes as rapidly evolving. Criminal networks operate increasingly less in isolation, adapt quickly to new circumstances, and make intensive use of digital technology.
According to the Commission, police and justice authorities must therefore be equipped with modern tools to jointly combat cross-border crime more effectively.