View source for Europol

{{Short description|European Union law enforcement agency}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox government agency
| agency_name     = European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation
| type            =
| seal            =
| seal_width      =
| seal_caption    =
| logo            = EUROPOL logo.svg
| logo_width      = 275
| logo_caption    =
| picture         = Europol building, The Hague, the Netherlands - 931.jpg
| picture_width   = 275
| picture_caption = Europol headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands
| formed          = 1 October 1998
| preceding1      = European Police Office <br/> Europol Drugs Unit
| dissolved       =
| jurisdiction    = [[European Union]]
| headquarters    = Eisenhowerlaan 73<br />[[The Hague]], [[Netherlands]]
{{Coord|52.0928|4.2815|region:NL-ZH_type:landmark|display=title,inline}}
| motto           =
| employees       = 1,432 (January 2022)<ref name=":1" />
| budget          = [[euro|€]]116.4 million (FY 2017)<ref name=":0" />
| chief1_name     = {{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Catherine De Bolle]]
| chief1_position = [[executive director]]
| chief2_name     = {{flagicon|France}} Jean-Philippe Lecouffe
| chief2_position = deputy executive director for operations
| chief3_name     = {{flagicon|Spain}} Luis de Eusebio Ramos
| chief3_position = deputy executive director for capabilities
| chief4_name     = {{flagicon|Germany}} Jürgen Ebner
| chief4_position = deputy executive director for governance
| chief5_name     =
| chief5_position =
| chief6_name     =
| chief6_position =
| chief7_name     =
| chief7_position =
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| parent_department =
| keydocument1    = [http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/794/oj Regulation (EU) 2016/794]
| website         = {{URL|https://www.europol.europa.eu|europol.europa.eu}}
| map             = {{Location map many | European Union
| width        = 250px
| label1       = The Hague
| caption1     =
| position1    = right
| coordinates1 = {{Coord|52.092846|4.281521}}
}}
| map_width       = 275
| map_caption     =
| footnotes       =
}}
'''Europol''', officially the '''European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation''', is the [[law enforcement agency]] of the [[European Union]] (EU). Established in 1998, it is based in [[The Hague]], [[Netherlands]], and serves as the central hub for coordinating [[criminal intelligence]] and supporting the [[Member state of the European Union|EU's Member States]] in their efforts to combat various forms of [[Organized crime|serious and organized crime]], as well as [[terrorism]].
Europol's main objective is to enhance the effectiveness and cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of the EU member states. To achieve this, Europol facilitates the exchange of information and intelligence, provides analytical support, and offers specialized training and expertise. Some of the key areas of focus for Europol include [[Illegal drug trade|drug trafficking]], [[human trafficking]], [[cybercrime]], [[money laundering]], and [[counterterrorism]].
The Agency has no executive powers, and its officials are not entitled to [[arrest]] suspects, conduct independent [[Criminal investigation|investigations]], or act without prior approval from [[competent authority|competent authorities]] in the member states. Instead, Europol's role is to support and facilitate the efforts of national law enforcement agencies within the EU.
==History==
=== Origins and establishment ===
[[File:DenHaag-Former-Europol03.jpg|left|thumb|Europol headquarters from 1994 to 2011 in&nbsp;[[The Hague]], pictured in 2007]]
Europol has its origins in [[TREVI]], a forum for security cooperation created amongst [[European Economic Community|European Community]] interior and justice ministers in 1976. At first, TREVI focused on international terrorism, but soon started to cover other areas of cross-border crime within the Community. At the European Summit in Luxembourg on 28–29 June 1991, German Chancellor [[Helmut Kohl]] called for the creation of a European police agency similar to the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI)—thus sowing the seeds of police cooperation across Europe. At the Summit, the [[European Council]] agreed to establish "a Central European Criminal Investigations Office (Europol) by 31 December 1993 the latest."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/summits/luxembourg/default_en.htm|title=Luxembourg European Summit – Conclusions of the Presidency (SN 151/3/91)|date=June 1991|website=www.europarl.europa.eu|publisher=European Parliament|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611030612/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/summits/luxembourg/default_en.htm|archive-date=11 June 2017|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2017}}{{failed verification|reason=live version doesn't match title=; archived snapshot is too new; |date=March 2024}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite book|title=Statewatching the New Europe: Handbook on the European State|last=Bunyan|first=Tony|publisher=Statewatch|year=1993|isbn=978-1-874481-02-7|editor-last=Bunyan|editor-first=Tony|chapter=Trevi, Europol and the European state|citeseerx = 10.1.1.175.888}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite book|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/anniversary-publication.pdf|title=1998–2016 Looking Back, Moving Forward: One Hundred Meetings of the Europol Management Board|publisher=Publications Office of the European Union|year=2016|isbn=978-92-95200-73-9|location=Luxembourg |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922100027/https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/anniversary-publication.pdf|archive-date=22 September 2017}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite book|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/anniversary-publication.pdf|title=Ten Years of Europol, 1999–2009|publisher=Europol|year=2009|location=The Hague|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922100027/https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/anniversary-publication.pdf|archive-date=22 September 2017}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite news|url=http://www.politico.eu/article/europes-intelligence-black-hole-europol-fbi-cia-paris-counter-terrorism/|title=Europe's intelligence 'black hole'|date=3 December 2015|work=POLITICO|access-date=22 September 2017|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917094706/http://www.politico.eu/article/europes-intelligence-black-hole-europol-fbi-cia-paris-counter-terrorism/|archive-date=17 September 2017}}</ref>
The idea of the Luxembourg Summit was further elaborated at the European Council in Maastricht on 9–10 December 1991, a meeting to draft the [[Maastricht Treaty]]. The European Council agreed to create "a European police office (Europol) the initial function of which would be to organize exchange of information on narcotic drugs". The Council likewise instructed TREVI ministers to take measures in setting up the office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/summits/maastricht/default_en.htm|title=Maastricht European Summit – Conclusions of the Presidency (SN 271/1/91)|date=December 1991|website=www.europarl.europa.eu|publisher=European Parliament|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611030613/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/summits/maastricht/default_en.htm|archive-date=11 June 2017|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2017}}</ref> On 7 February 1992, Europol was enshrined with more substance in Article K.1, section 9, as the Maastricht Treaty was signed:<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><blockquote>[...] Member States shall regard the following areas as matters of common interest: [...] police cooperation for the purposes of preventing and combatting terrorism, unlawful drug trafficking and other serious forms of international crime, including if necessary certain aspects of customs cooperation, in connection with the organization of a Union-wide system for exchanging information within a European Police Office (Europol).<ref>{{Cite journal|date=29 July 1992|title=Treaty on European Union, signed at Maastricht on 7 February 1992|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C:1992:191:FULL&from=EN|journal=Official Journal of the European Communities|volume=35|issn=0378-6986|via=EUR-Lex}}</ref></blockquote>Europol was first de facto organised provisionally in 1993 as the Europol Drugs Unit (EDU) in Strasbourg at the same site as the [[Schengen Information System]] was hosted. The small initial group started operations there in January 1994 under the leadership of [[Jürgen Storbeck]] and with a mandate to assist national police forces in criminal investigations. The competition for the permanent site of Europol during the period was between The Hague, Rome and Strasbourg—the European Council decided on 29 October 1993 that Europol should be established in The Hague. A former Roman Catholic boys school built in 1910 at Raamweg 47 was chosen as the precise location. The house was used in [[World War II]] by police and intelligence agencies and after the War staffed by the Dutch State Intelligence Service until Europol relocated there later in 1994.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rijksvastgoedbedrijf.nl/vastgoed/projecten-in-uitvoering/den-haag-raamweg|title=Den Haag, Raamweg 47|last=Rijksvastgoedbedrijf|date=27 September 2016|website=www.rijksvastgoedbedrijf.nl|language=nl-NL|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922050903/https://www.rijksvastgoedbedrijf.nl/vastgoed/projecten-in-uitvoering/den-haag-raamweg|archive-date=22 September 2017|url-status=live|access-date=21 September 2017|quote=Office in classical school building from 1910. This office building was used by Europol until 2011.}}</ref><ref name=":10" />
The Europol Convention was signed on 26 July 1995 in Brussels and came into force on 1 October 1998 after being [[ratify|ratified]] by all the Member States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:1995:316:0001:0032:EN:PDF|title=Convention drawn up on the basis of Article K.3 of Treaty on European Union, on the establishment of a European Police Office (Europol Convention)|date=26 July 1995|website=EUR-Lex|publisher=Official Journal of the European Communities|access-date=20 September 2017}}</ref><ref name=treatydb>{{cite web|url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/agreements-conventions/agreement/?aid=1995106|title=Agreement Details – Europol Convention|website=www.consilium.europa.eu|publisher=Council of the European Union|access-date=20 September 2017}}</ref> The European Police Office (Europol) commenced its full activities on 1 July 1999.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38957246|title=Inside Europol|last=Shaw|first=Danny|date=15 February 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=22 September 2017|language=en-GB|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923055932/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38957246|archive-date=23 September 2017}}</ref>
=== Reformation as a European Union agency ===
Europol was fully integrated into the European Union with Council Decision 2009/371/JHA of 6 April 2009. It replaced the Europol Convention and reformed Europol as an [[Agencies of the European Union|EU agency]] (i.e. subject to the general rules and procedures applicable to all EU agencies) on 1 January 2010 due to different aspirations, such as enhanced support to Member States on countering serious and organised crime, budgetary control by the [[European Parliament]], and administrative simplification.<ref>{{cite journal|date=15 May 2009|title=Council Decision of 6 April 2009 establishing the European Police Office (Europol) (2009/371/JHA)|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:121:0037:0066:EN:PDF|journal=Official Journal of the European Union|volume=L|access-date=20 September 2017|via=EUR-Lex|number=121}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.clingendael.org/sites/default/files/2016-02/20090930_cesp_paper_swolff_police_cooperation.pdf|title=From The Hague to Stockholm: The Future of EU's Internal Security Architecture and Police Cooperation|last=Wolff|first=Sarah|publisher=Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael|year=2009|location=The Hague|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923095732/https://www.clingendael.org/sites/default/files/2016-02/20090930_cesp_paper_swolff_police_cooperation.pdf|archive-date=23 September 2017}}</ref>
The Agency's new 32 000 m<sup>2</sup> headquarters building, designed by Frank Wintermans, was opened by then Queen, now Princess [[Beatrix of the Netherlands]] on 1 July 2011 in the [[The Hague#International politics|international zone of The Hague]] next to the [[International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia]] (ICTY) and the [[Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons]] (OPCW) at Eisenhowerlaan 73.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/newsroom/news/hm-queen-beatrix-of-netherlands-opens-new-europol-headquarters-in-hague|title=HM Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands opens new Europol headquarters in The Hague|date=1 July 2011|work=Europol|access-date=20 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921050039/https://www.europol.europa.eu/newsroom/news/hm-queen-beatrix-of-netherlands-opens-new-europol-headquarters-in-hague|archive-date=21 September 2017|url-status=live|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=July 2011|title=Europol Special|url=http://www.qwa.nl/media/Europol/SMAAK_europol_special.pdf|journal=SMAAK|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160704103834/http://qwa.nl/media/Europol/SMAAK_europol_special.pdf|archive-date=4 July 2016}}</ref>
=== European Cybercrime Centre ===
On 11 January 2013, Director [[Rob Wainwright (Europol)|Rob Wainwright]] and European Commissioner for Home Affairs [[Cecilia Malmström]] launched the ''[[European Cybercrime Centre]]'' (EC3 or EC<sup>3</sup>), a unit of Europol tasked with assisting Member States to dismantle and disrupt [[cybercrime]] committed by organised groups to generate large criminal profits (e.g. online fraud), causing serious harm to victims (e.g. online child sexual exploitation) or affecting critical infrastructure and systems in the [[European Union|EU]]. The purpose of the centre is to coordinate cross-border law enforcement activities against cybercrime and act as a centre of technological expertise, such as tool development and training.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-13_en.htm?locale=en|title=European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) opens on 11 January|date=9 January 2013|website=europa.eu|publisher=European Commission|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623210228/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-13_en.htm?locale=en|archive-date=23 June 2017|url-status=live|access-date=21 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/about-europol/european-cybercrime-centre-ec3|title=European Cybercrime Centre – EC3|work=Europol|access-date=21 September 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924100433/https://www.europol.europa.eu/about-europol/european-cybercrime-centre-ec3|archive-date=24 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/europe/newsid_9782000/9782597.stm|title=EU cybercrime centre launched by Commissioner Malmström|date=9 January 2013|website=news.bbc.co.uk|publisher=BBC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110204914/http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/europe/newsid_9782000/9782597.stm|archive-date=10 January 2013|url-status=live|access-date=13 January 2013}}</ref> Commissioner Malmström stated that the need for a cybercrime centre in Europe was "to protect the open and free internet".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240175936/European-Cyber-Crime-Centre-opens-in-The-Hague|title=European Cybercrime Centre opens in The Hague|last1=Ashford|first1=Warwick|date=11 January 2013|work=ComputerWeekly.com|publisher=Computer Weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113020154/http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240175936/European-Cyber-Crime-Centre-opens-in-The-Hague|archive-date=13 January 2013|url-status=live|access-date=13 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-13_en.htm?locale=en|title=Speech: EC<sup>3</sup>, a European response to cybercrime|date=11 January 2013|website=europa.eu|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623210807/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-13_en.htm?locale=en|archive-date=23 June 2017|url-status=live|access-date=21 September 2017}}</ref>  On 25 January 2016, the European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC) was launched as a new strategic platform within Europol to share information among EU states in tracking movements of Europeans into and from Syria as well as to monitor terrorists' finances and militants' Internet usage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-france-shooting-eu-europol/eus-europol-in-action-against-paris-attackers-chief-idUKKCN0T92W320151120|title=EU's Europol in action against Paris attackers – chief|last=Macdonald|first=Alastair|date=20 November 2015|work=Reuters|access-date=20 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921000540/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-france-shooting-eu-europol/eus-europol-in-action-against-paris-attackers-chief-idUKKCN0T92W320151120|archive-date=21 September 2017|url-status=dead|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://p.dw.com/p/1HjUP|title=Europol launches pan-European counterterrorism center|last=(www.dw.com)|first=Deutsche Welle|date=25 January 2016|website=DW.COM|language=en|access-date=20 September 2017}}</ref>
=== Exceptions to opt-out ===
When the UK exercised its [[Opt-outs in the European Union|opt-out]] from the [[area of freedom, security and justice]] in 2014, its request to continue participating in Europol was approved.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2014.343.01.0011.01.ENG|title=Council Decision of 27 November 2014 determining certain consequential and transitional arrangements concerning the cessation of the participation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in certain acts of the Union in the field of police co-operation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters adopted before the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon |date=27 November 2014|access-date=28 November 2014|journal=[[Official Journal of the European Union]]|volume=L 343/11}}</ref>
[[Denmark]] was not permitted to participate in the 2016 recast Europol Regulation due to its [[opt-out]] from the [[area of freedom, security and justice]].  In a [[2015 Danish European Union opt-out referendum|December 2015 referendum]] it rejected converting its opt-out to a case-by-case opt-in, which would have allowed it to participate in the new regulation and remain a member of Europol. However, Denmark and the European Union agreed on a co-operation deal in December 2016. The agreement was accepted by both the European Parliament and the [[Folketing|Danish Parliament]] on 27 April 2017 and subsequently signed on 29 April 2017—two days before Denmark would have been cut off from the Agency.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-denmark-eu-police/eu-denmark-find-deal-on-europol-after-danes-voted-to-quit-idUSKBN1431I0|title=EU, Denmark find deal on Europol after Danes voted to quit|date=15 December 2016|work=Reuters|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923062309/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-denmark-eu-police/eu-denmark-find-deal-on-europol-after-danes-voted-to-quit-idUSKBN1431I0|archive-date=23 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thelocal.dk/20170428/danish-eu-parliaments-agree-on-europol-arrangement|title=Danish, EU parliaments agree on Europol deal|date=28 April 2017|work=The Local Denmark|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923095533/https://www.thelocal.dk/20170428/danish-eu-parliaments-agree-on-europol-arrangement|archive-date=23 September 2017|url-status=live|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-17-1169_en.htm|title=Commission welcomes Europol's new mandate and co-operation agreement with Denmark|date=29 April 2017|website=europa.eu|publisher=European Commission|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429130105/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-17-1169_en.htm|archive-date=29 April 2017|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2017}}</ref>
The UK also did not originally participate in the recast 2016 Europol Regulation, but subsequently notified the EU of its desire to participate in December 2016.  Its participation was confirmed by a Commission Decision in March 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32017D0388|title=Commission Decision (EU) 2017/388 of 6 March 2017 confirming the participation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol)|date=7 March 2017|access-date=29 May 2018|publisher=[[Official Journal of the European Union]]}}</ref>  In September 2017, it was reported that the [[United Kingdom]] was planning to hold onto Europol access, such as intelligence sharing and co-operation in fighting crime and terrorism, after [[Brexit]] though a new treaty.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/sep/18/uk-plans-treaty-to-remain-inside-europol-after-brexit|title=UK plans treaty to remain inside Europol after Brexit|last=Travis|first=Alan|date=18 September 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920083621/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/sep/18/uk-plans-treaty-to-remain-inside-europol-after-brexit|archive-date=20 September 2017|url-status=live|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-41240643|title=Reality Check: Can the UK be part of Europol after Brexit?|date=20 September 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=22 September 2017|language=en-GB|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922011745/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-41240643|archive-date=22 September 2017}}</ref> However, the EU's chief negotiator [[Michel Barnier]] said in November 2017 that the UK "will no longer be a member of the European Defence Agency or Europol" after Brexit takes effect.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-europol-michel-barnier-speech-kicked-out-european-police-cooperation-eu-benefits-amber-rudd-a8082081.html|title=Brexit: Britain to be kicked out of Europol against its will|last=Stone|first=Jon|date=29 November 2017|work=Independent|access-date=30 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129225924/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-europol-michel-barnier-speech-kicked-out-european-police-cooperation-eu-benefits-amber-rudd-a8082081.html|archive-date=29 November 2017|url-status=live|language=en-GB}}</ref>
=== Activities regarding counter-terrorism ===
The European Parliament approved Europol's new legal framework, Regulation (EU) 2016/794, on 11 May 2016 after three years of negotiations and thus repealed the former Decisions of 2009. The new framework granted additional powers on [[counter-terrorism]] to Europol,<ref>Deflem, Mathieu. 2006. [https://deflem.blogspot.com/2006/08/europol-and-policing-of-international.html "Europol and the Policing of International Terrorism: Counter-Terrorism in a Global Perspective."] Justice Quarterly 23(3):336–359.</ref> but also includes adding training and exchange programmes for staff, creating a solid data protection system, and strengthening the Parliament's control over the Agency.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.politico.eu/article/european-parliament-approves-new-europol-powers-intelligence-share-fight-terrorism/|title=Parliament approves new Europol powers to fight terrorism|date=11 May 2016|work=POLITICO|access-date=22 September 2017|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923095629/http://www.politico.eu/article/european-parliament-approves-new-europol-powers-intelligence-share-fight-terrorism/|archive-date=23 September 2017}}</ref> The Regulation took effect on 1 May 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2017-05-01/local-news/Europol-s-new-legal-framework-a-step-forward-for-European-policing-and-security-6736173723|title=Europol's new legal framework a step forward for European policing and security|date=1 May 2017|website=www.independent.com.mt|publisher=The Malta Independent|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923051154/http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2017-05-01/local-news/Europol-s-new-legal-framework-a-step-forward-for-European-policing-and-security-6736173723|archive-date=23 September 2017|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2017}}</ref> Additionally, the full name was amended to European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol).<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|date=24 May 2016|title=Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Co-operation (Europol)|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32016R0794|journal=EUR-Lex}}</ref>
=== Activities against child sexual abuse ===
Europol started the [[Stop Child Abuse – Trace an Object]] campaign and website on 31 May 2017. The site's objective is to display objects in [[child sexual abuse]] images to try to find the perpetrators and victims — in the hope that distinct details, such as a logo on a bag or a shampoo bottle, can be identified by the public who can then forward the information by an anonymous tip-off or social media. The approach was called [[crowdsourcing]] by the investigators.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/stopchildabuse|title=Stop Child Abuse – Trace an Object|work=Europol|access-date=22 September 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922212105/https://www.europol.europa.eu/stopchildabuse|archive-date=22 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40115549|title=Police publish child abuse clues online|date=1 June 2017|work=BBC News|access-date=22 September 2017|language=en-GB|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729095059/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40115549|archive-date=29 July 2017}}</ref> [[Bellingcat]], the investigative search network, reported that several objects had been positively identified following its attempt&nbsp;to support Europol's call.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bellingcat.com/news/uk-and-europe/2017/06/15/update-crowdsourcing-europols-stop-child-abuse-trace-object-campaign/|title=Update on Crowdsourcing Europol's "Stop Child Abuse – Trace an Object" Campaign|date=15 June 2017|work=bellingcat|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920233707/https://www.bellingcat.com/news/uk-and-europe/2017/06/15/update-crowdsourcing-europols-stop-child-abuse-trace-object-campaign/|archive-date=20 September 2017|url-status=live|language=en-US}}</ref>
As of May 2024, Europol lead 14 Victim Identification Task Force events which resulted in over 700 children identified and rescued with about 230 offenders arrested.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/four-victims-of-child-abuse-identified-following-week-long-task-force-europol|title=Four victims of child abuse identified following week-long task force at Europol|date=24 May 2024|access-date=September 2, 2024}}</ref>
== Tasks and activities ==
Europol is mandated by the European Union (EU) to assist EU Member States in the fight against international crime, such as [[Illegal drug trade|illicit drugs]], [[Human trafficking|trafficking in human beings]], [[intellectual property]] crime, cybercrime, euro [[Counterfeit money|counterfeiting]] and [[terrorism]], by serving as a centre for law enforcement co-operation, expertise and criminal intelligence.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":12">{{Cite journal|last=Bureš|first=Oldřich|date=1 June 2016|title=Intelligence sharing and the fight against terrorism in the EU: lessons learned from Europol|journal=European View|language=en|volume=15|issue=1|pages=57–66|doi=10.1007/s12290-016-0393-7|issn=1781-6858|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite book|title=Justice and Home Affairs Agencies in the European Union|publisher=Routledge|year=2015|isbn=978-1-138-77955-6|editor-last=Kaunert|location=Oxon/NY|editor-last2=Léonard|editor-last3=Occhipinti}}</ref> Europol or its officials do not have executive powers — and therefore they do not have [[powers of arrest]] and cannot carry out [[Criminal investigation|investigations]] without the approval of national authorities.<ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/faq|title=Frequently asked questions|work=Europol|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830170258/https://www.europol.europa.eu/faq|archive-date=30 August 2017|url-status=live|language=en|quote=The European Police Office is a support service for the law enforcement agencies of the EU Member States. This means that Europol officials are not entitled to arrest suspects or act without the approval of national authorities.}}</ref><ref name=":10" />
Europol reported it would focus on countering cybercrime, [[organised crime]], and terrorism as well as on building its [[information technology]] capacities during the 2016–2020 strategy cycle, .<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/europol_budget_2017.pdf|title=Statement of revenue and expenditure of the European Police Office for the financial year 2017 (2017/C 84/35)|publisher=Europol|year=2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918154759/https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/europol_budget_2017.pdf|archive-date=18 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Europol likewise stated that the previous strategy cycle of 2010–2014 laid the foundation for the Agency as the European criminal information hub.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/publications-documents/europol-strategy-2016-2020|title=Europol Strategy 2016 – 2020|publisher=Publications Office of the European Union|year=2016|isbn=978-92-95200-71-5|location=Luxembourg|doi=10.2813/983718|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918154933/https://www.europol.europa.eu/publications-documents/europol-strategy-2016-2020|archive-date=18 September 2017|url-status=live |author1=European Police Office. }}</ref> The EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (SOCTA) of 2017 identified eight priority crime areas: cybercrime; drug production, trafficking and distribution; [[People smuggling|migrant smuggling]]; organised property crime; trafficking in human beings; criminal finances and [[money laundering]]; document fraud; and online trade in illicit goods and services.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/report_socta2017_1.pdf|title=European Union Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (SOCTA) 2017|publisher=Europol|year=2017|pages=10–11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713013706/https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/report_socta2017_1.pdf|archive-date=13 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
Additionally, the Agency's tasked activities in detail include analysis and exchange information, such as [[criminal intelligence]]; co-ordination of investigative and operational action as well as joint investigation teams; preparation of [[threat assessment]]s, strategic and operational analyses and general situation reports; and developing specialist knowledge of crime prevention and&nbsp;[[Forensic science|forensic methods]]. Europol is to coordinate and support other EU bodies established within the&nbsp;[[area of freedom, security and justice]], such as the&nbsp;[[European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training]]&nbsp;(CEPOL),&nbsp;the [[European Anti-fraud Office|European Anti-Fraud Office]]&nbsp;(OLAF), and EU crisis management missions. The Agency is also directed to assist the&nbsp;European Council&nbsp;and the&nbsp;[[European Commission]]&nbsp;in developing strategic and operational priorities.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":13" />
===Publications===
<!---Terrorism Situation and Trend Report and TE-SAT redirect to this section. --->
[[File:TESAT 2017 cover.jpg|thumb|Cover of the Terrorism Situation and Trend Report (TE-SAT) 2017]]
Europol has published the annual ''Terrorism Situation and Trend Report'' (TE-SAT) since 2007. This report provides an overview of terrorism within the EU over the previous year.<ref>{{cite web | title=EU Terrorism Situation & Trend Report (Te-Sat) | website=Europol | date=26 June 2020 | url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/tesat-report | access-date=8 April 2021}}</ref> It includes statistics on foiled, failed and completed terrorist attacks, arrests, and the number of deaths and injuries caused by terrorism within the 13 member states.<ref>{{cite web | title=European Union Terrorism Situation and Trend report (TE-SAT) 2020 | website=Europol | date=6 July 2020 | url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/activities-services/main-reports/european-union-terrorism-situation-and-trend-report-te-sat-2020 | access-date=8 April 2021}}</ref>
===European Financial and Economic Crime Centre ===
<!---European Financial and Economic Crime Centre redirects to this section.--->
On 4 May 2020, Europol launched the new European Financial and Economic Crime Centre (EFECC).<ref name="Tricarico">{{Cite web|last=Tricarico|first=Valerie|date=5 June 2020|title=Europol launches new European Financial and Economic Crime Centre|url=https://internationalinsider.org/europol-launches-new-european-financial-and-economic-crime-centre/|access-date=5 June 2020|website=International Insider|language=en-GB|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308153118/https://internationalinsider.org/europol-launches-new-european-financial-and-economic-crime-centre/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Centre aims to enhance the operational support provided to the [[Member state of the European Union|EU Member States]] and EU bodies in the fields of financial and economic crime and promote the systematic use of financial investigations.<ref name="Tricarico"/>
On 2 December 2020, Europol initiated the European Money Mule Action (EMMA) and collaborated with 26 countries in coordinating the EMMA 7 operation. This effort led to the identification of more than 18,000 money mules and resulted in 1,803 arrests.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bešlija |first1=Damir |title=International Anti-Money Laundering Operation Results in 1803 Arrests |url=https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/15613-international-anti-money-laundering-operation-results-in-1803-arrests |website=OCCRP |access-date=25 June 2024}}</ref> Successfully carrying out anti-money laundering operations like this may serve as a deterrent and convey a strong message about AML compliance to cryptocurrency businesses throughout various states. <ref>{{Cite journal |last=Wang |first=Hsiao-Ming |last2=Hsieh |first2=Ming-Li |date=2024-03-01 |title=Cryptocurrency is new vogue: a reflection on money laundering prevention |url=https://doi.org/10.1057/s41284-023-00366-5 |journal=Security Journal |language=en |volume=37 |issue=1 |pages=25–46 |doi=10.1057/s41284-023-00366-5 |issn=1743-4645}}</ref>
The new EFECC has been set up within the current organisational structure of Europol that is already playing an important part in the European response to financial and economic crime and will be staffed with 65 international experts and analysts.<ref name="Tricarico"/>
== Organisation ==
In the financial year 2017, the Agency's budget was approximately 116.4&nbsp;million [[euro]]s.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book |url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/europol_budget_2017.pdf |title=Statement of revenue and expenditure of the European Police Office for the financial year 2017 (2017/C 84/35) |publisher=Europol|year=2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918154759/https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/europol_budget_2017.pdf |archive-date=18 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> As of December 2016, Europol has 1065 staff, of which 32.3% are female and 67.7% male, including employment contracts with Europol, liaison officers from Member States and third states and organisations, Seconded National Experts, trainees and contractors. Of the staff, 201 are liaison officers and around 100 analysts.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/about-europol/statistics-data|title=Statistics & Data |publisher=Europol|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830163339/https://www.europol.europa.eu/about-europol/statistics-data|archive-date=30 August 2017|url-status=live|access-date=18 September 2017}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":9" /> In addition to the Management Board and Liaison Bureaux, Europol is organised into three different departments under the Executive Director:<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/about-europol|title=About Europol |publisher=Europol|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830165347/https://www.europol.europa.eu/about-europol|archive-date=30 August 2017|url-status=live|access-date=18 September 2017}}</ref>
{{div col}}
* {{em|Operations (O) Department}}
** O1 Front Office
** O2 European Serious and Organised Crime Centre (ESOCC)
** O3 European Cybercrime Centre (EC<sup>3</sup>)
** O4 European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC)
** O5 Horizontal Operational Services (HOS)
* {{em|Governance (G) Department}}
** G1 Corporate Affairs Bureau (CAB)
** G2 Corporate Services
** G3 Procurement
** G5 Security
* {{em|Capabilities (C) Department}}
** C1 ICT
** C5 Administration
{{div col end}}
==Governance, accountability and relations==
The Europol Directorate'','' the day-to-day leadership of the Agency, is appointed by the EU [[Justice and Home Affairs Council]] (JHA) for four-year terms. As of 2018, the agency is headed by executive director [[Catherine De Bolle]]. The Agency is accountable to and controlled by the Justice and Home Affairs Council. Together with the European Parliament, the Council approves Europol's budget and regulations related to its work. The Council forwards an annual special report to the European Parliament on the work of the Agency — and the Parliament also discharges Europol from its responsibility for managing a set budget. Before 2009, the Agency was an international body and thus the European Parliament lacked effective scrutiny powers over it. From 2009 to 2017, the European Parliament had been the sole organ in parliamentary control of Europol. The Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group (JPSG) was created at the EU Speakers Conference in Bratislava on 23–25 April 2017 to allow both the European Parliament and national EU parliaments to exert control over Europol.<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-52110-0|title=A Watchdog for Europe's Policemen: The Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group for Europol|last=Kreilinger|first=Valentin|series=Policy Paper / Jacques Delors Institute |date=2017|publisher=Jacques Delors Institute|location=Berlin|doi=10.13140/RG.2.2.33360.10244 |language=en |via=Social Science Open Access Repository}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.parleu2017.ee/en/events/meeting-joint-parliamentary-scrutiny-group-europol|title=Meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group on EUROPOL|date=22 September 2017|website=www.parleu2017.ee|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923003237/https://www.parleu2017.ee/en/events/meeting-joint-parliamentary-scrutiny-group-europol|archive-date=23 September 2017|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2017}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/about-europol/accountability|title=Accountability|work=Europol|access-date=19 September 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830165632/https://www.europol.europa.eu/about-europol/accountability|archive-date=30 August 2017}}</ref><ref name=":2" />
The Europol Management Board comprises representatives from all of the Member States and from the European Commission, each having one vote. Decisions of the Board require a [[supermajority]] and it meets at least twice per year on Europol's current and future activities as well as on adopting the [[budget]], programming material and general annual reports. The board forwards its decisions to the Justice and Home Affairs Council for perusal. The Management Board functions include data protection, internal audit and accountancy.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":13" />
External financial oversight of the Agency is conducted by the [[European Court of Auditors]] (ECA); for example, ECA evaluated Europol in 2017 on anti-[[radicalization|radicalisation]] programmes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.politico.eu/article/eu-court-of-auditors-to-assess-anti-radicalization-counter-terrorism-security-programs/|title=EU Court of Auditors to assess anti-radicalization programs|date=6 April 2017|work=POLITICO|access-date=22 September 2017|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923002420/http://www.politico.eu/article/eu-court-of-auditors-to-assess-anti-radicalization-counter-terrorism-security-programs/|archive-date=23 September 2017}}</ref> [[Internal control]] is carried out by the Internal Audit Service of the European Commission as well as by the Europol Management Board-appointed Internal Audit Function. The [[European Ombudsman]] is tasked with investigating complaints against EU institutions and bodies, including Europol, as well as assisting to create a more transparent, effective, accountable and ethical administration.<ref name=":4" /> {{As of|2017|05|01}}, the [[European Data Protection Supervisor]]&nbsp;(EDPS) has been responsible for supervising the agency's data protection measures.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edps.europa.eu/node/3336|title=New Regulation boosts the roles of EDPS and Europol|date=19 May 2016|website=European Data Protection Supervisor|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923002501/https://edps.europa.eu/node/3336|archive-date=23 September 2017|url-status=live|access-date=22 September 2017}}</ref>
The Director of Europol is able to enter into agreements for Europol with other countries and international organizations. As of September 2017, Europol co-operates on an operational basis with [[Albania]], [[Australia]], [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Canada]], Denmark, [[Colombia]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], [[Iceland]], [[Liechtenstein]], [[Moldova]], [[Monaco]], [[Montenegro]], [[North Macedonia]], [[Norway]], [[Serbia]], [[Switzerland]], [[Ukraine]], [[United States]], and [[Interpol]].<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/partners-agreements/operational-agreements|title=Operational Agreements|work=Europol|access-date=22 September 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922145243/https://www.europol.europa.eu/partners-agreements/operational-agreements|archive-date=22 September 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/2007/34.html "Agreement on Operational and Strategic Co-operation between Australia and the European Police Office (The Hague, 20 February 2007) – ATS 34 of 2007"]. Australasian Legal Information Institute, Australian Treaties Library. Retrieved on 18 April 2017.</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/partners-agreements/other-agreements|title=Agreements with International Organisations|work=Europol|access-date=21 September 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922050643/https://www.europol.europa.eu/partners-agreements/other-agreements|archive-date=22 September 2017}}</ref> Similarly, the Agency has strategic agreements with [[Armenia]], [[Brazil]], [[China]], [[Russia]], [[Turkey]], [[United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime]] (UNODC), and [[World Customs Organization]] (WCO).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/partners-agreements/strategic-agreements|title=Strategic Agreements|work=Europol|access-date=21 September 2017|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922002102/https://www.europol.europa.eu/partners-agreements/strategic-agreements|archive-date=22 September 2017}}</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.computerweekly.com/news/450416640/Europol-and-Brazil-agree-co-operation-on-cyber-crime|title=Europol and Brazil agree co-operation on cyber crime|date=11 April 2017|work=ComputerWeekly.com|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922194305/http://www.computerweekly.com/news/450416640/Europol-and-Brazil-agree-co-operation-on-cyber-crime|archive-date=22 September 2017|url-status=live|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/armenia-and-europol-sign-agreement-to-combat-cross-border-serious-organised-crime | title=Armenia and Europol sign agreement to combat cross-border serious organised crime}}</ref>
==See also==
{{div col|colwidth=}}
*[[Cross Channel Intelligence Community]]
*[[Eurodac|EURODAC]]
*[[eu-LISA]]
*[[Eurojust]]
*[[European Arrest Warrant|European Arrest Warrant (EAW)]]
*[[Frontex|European Border and Coast Guard (Frontex)]]
*[[European Central Bank]]
*[[European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction|European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)]]
*[[European Union Agency for Network and Information Security]]
*[[European Union Intellectual Property Office]]
*[[European Union Police Mission (disambiguation)|European Union Police Mission (EUPOL)]]
*[[Police Union of German States]]
*[[Prüm Convention]]
*[[Schengen Information System|Schengen Information System (SIS)]]
*[[Visa Information System]]
{{div col end}}
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
== Further reading ==
* {{Cite journal|last1=Carrapiço|first1=Helena|last2=Trauner|first2=Florian|date=September 2013|title=Europol and its Influence on EU Policy-making on Organized Crime: Analyzing Governance Dynamics and Opportunities|journal=Perspectives on European Politics and Society|volume=14|issue=3|pages=357–371|doi=10.1080/15705854.2013.817804|s2cid=144295514}}
* {{Cite book|title=The European Union and internal security: guardian of the people?|last1=Mitsilegas|first1=Valsamis|last2=Monar|first2=Jörg|last3=Rees|first3=Wyn|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|year=2003|isbn=978-0-230-50438-7|location=Hampshire}}
* {{Cite journal|last1=Rozée|first1=Stephen|last2=Kaunert|first2=Christian|last3=Léonard|first3=Sarah|date=September 2013|title=Is Europol a Comprehensive Policing Actor?|journal=Perspectives on European Politics and Society|volume=14|issue=3|pages=372–387|doi=10.1080/15705854.2013.817808|s2cid=154147686}}
* {{Cite book|url=http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=185912|title=Europol and Police Cooperation in Europe|last=Santiago|first=Michael|publisher=Edwin Mellen Press|year=2000|isbn=978-0-7734-7731-5|location=New York}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Woodward|first=Rachel|date=December 1993|title=Establishing Europol|journal=European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research|volume=1|issue=4|pages=7–33|doi=10.1007/BF02249463|s2cid=195212044}}
==External links==
{{commons category|Europol}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/council-eu/configurations/jha/ About the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA)]
* [https://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/internal-audit-service_en Internal Audit Service (IAS) of the European Commission]
* [https://eumostwanted.eu/ Europe's most wanted fugitives]
{{Agencies of the European Union|state=uncollapsed}}
{{European Union topics}}
{{Europe topic|Law enforcement in}}
{{International law enforcement organisations}}
{{European Border and Coast Guard}}
{{Portal bar|European Union|Law}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Europol| ]]
[[Category:1998 establishments in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:1998 in the European Union]]
[[Category:Agencies of the European Union]]
[[Category:Criminal investigation]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1998]]
[[Category:Intelligence agencies]]
[[Category:Organisations based in The Hague]]