Europol Review 2014

Europol News

Increasing cooperation to counter organised crime and terrorism

In 2014, Europol made significant progress and efforts as regards its cooperation with EU bodies, third states, as well as other international organisations. This reflects the ever increasing spread of organised crime and terrorism, and the matching need for law enforcement cooperation, also seen in the 33% increase over 2013 of the number of SIENA operational messages exchanged.
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Europol basic facts 2014 img

Europol basic facts 2014

Europol - European Law Enforcement Agency

What is the EU policy cycle?

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Europol extends its cooperation with five European countries

In the past year new operational cooperation agreements with Albania and Serbia entered into force and were also signed with Moldova and Montenegro. Europol also finalised negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The operational cooperation agreement with Columbia also entered into force after their internal ratification procedures were completed. Furthermore, the Council of the EU added Brazil, Georgia, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates to the list of countries with whom Europol may enter into agreements with.

Increased cooperation between EU bodies

Europol expanded cooperation with the European Central Bank in the area of non-cash means of payment. The Management Board of Europol approved the draft agreement for operational cooperation with Frontex. To further cooperation with Eurojust, a representative of this EU agency will join the team of the European Cybercrime Centre. Europol also furthered its cooperation with the European External Action Service (EEAS), with OLAF, the European Anti-Fraud Office, and with the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA).

Design in Policing Design in Policing

Design in Policing

Design in Policing

Could police, art, design and architecture have something in common? The answer is yes: a building.

The new headquarters of Europol was officially opened by Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands in July 2011.

One of the safest and most secure buildings in Europe, the domicile of Europol has won the FIABCI Prix excellence, The Netherlands Award 2012 in the category 'Office'.

The book on design in policing "It started with a thought" looks at Europol's headquarters, its design and architecture and the artworks inspired by the mission and values of the organisation.

The book focuses on the history and evolution of Europol from its early beginnings as the Europol Drugs Unit to what it is today – a world leader in intelligence policing which works closely with law enforcement agencies in the 28 EU Member States on 18 000 serious international organised crime and terrorism cases per year.

The merging of security and art can be seen in the EU's longest glass wall installation: Europol's 250-metre long security fence. This innovative design creates transparent protection for Europol's highly secure headquarters.

The photo exhibit decorating the corridors at Europol, propose different perspectives of the European Union: for example, a 15-minute photographic walk through the Member States.

Design in Policing

As well as state-of-the-art design, Europol's new headquarters has an extremely low carbon footprint, thanks to the features which have been installed, including 4600m2 of green sedum roofs.

Police, art, design and architecture all have Europol in common, but also the idea that innovation triggers evolution and evolution is the process by which Europol continues to prove its excellence in the law enforcement arena.

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Europol and UEFA together against match-fixing

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Match fixing is a global phenomenon that affects sporting competitions from the premier league to amateur level. To fight international match fixing, UEFA and Europol signed a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2014. Following this agreement, Europol and UEFA are implementing joint activities and projects. The two organisations are exchanging information on suspected cases and the methods used by individuals or criminal organisations to control matches. To fight match fixing, Europol has opened the new ‘Focal Point Sports Corruption’.

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‘Europe’s most wanted’ on Europol’s website

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Europol successfully started the ‘most wanted cross check project’. To support the network of European Fugitive Active Search Teams (ENFAST), the operational support initiative conducted an EU-wide check on fugitives. The initiative is the herald of the upcoming EU Most Wanted List - a dedicated part of Europol’s public website where EU citizens will be informed about, and asked for their support to find, Europe’s most wanted persons.

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European police chiefs stand together against organised crime and terrorism

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In September 2014, almost 300 police chiefs, senior law enforcement officers and academic experts from Europe and beyond gathered at Europol headquarters in The Hague for the annual European Police Chiefs Convention (EPCC). During the event, the heads of European law enforcement discussed the experts’ findings on core issues in policing which included cybercrime, economic crime, illegal immigration and terrorism. The next EPCC will take place from 23-24 September 2015 at Europol headquarters.

EUR 7 million to fund operational activities from the operational action plans 2015 img

EUR 7 million to fund operational activities from the operational action plans 2015

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Europol will fund EU Members States’ operational activities from the operational action plans (OAPs) 2015. The European Commission granted this budget implementation task to Europol after the signature of a Delegation agreement on 22 December 2014. The amount of EUR 7 million of funding from the EU Internal Security Fund will be available from 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2017.

The potential beneficiaries are EU Member States and the organisations participating in the OAPs. Profit or non-profit organisations not part of OAPs may also be authorised to participate in the grant project, under the responsibility of the concerned Member States. A second Call for Proposals is expected to be launched before the end of 2015.

Europol facilitates public access to documents Europol facilitates public access to documents

Europol facilitates public access to documents

Europol facilitates public access to documents
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A Public Register of Documents is featured on the Europol website. Europol also regularly responds to requests for access to documents, received directly or through consultation by third parties. In 2014, Europol replied to nine applications, and seven consultations. Europol refused access to documents in three cases on the grounds of the exceptions under Article 4 of the applicable Management Board rules1* based on the protection of public security, the proper fulfilment of Europol’s tasks, international relations, the privacy and integrity of the individuals and Europol’s decision making process.

  1. Decision ‘Laying down the rules concerning access to Europol documents’ of 8 July 2009.
Europol Regulation Europol Regulation

Europol Regulation

Europol Regulation

During 2014, the legislative process for the adoption of a Europol Regulation continued, with the Council adopting a common position in June, following a joint position of the European Parliament previously. The discussions have now advanced to the Trilogue stage.