MEPs on Tuesday agreed to boost Europol’s capacity to support crime-fighting in the member states. Negotiations with the member states will begin soon.
The European Parliament endorsed the Civil Liberties Committee’s decision to open negotiations on two proposals aimed at reinforcing Europol’s mandate and balancing the new capabilities with stronger fundamental rights safeguards and oversight.
The decisions were approved by plenary with 538 votes to 151, 7 abstentions (data processing, cooperation, research and development) and 545 votes to 147, 4 abstentions (Schengen Information System alerts).
The updated mandate of the European police agency allows it to enter alerts into the Schengen Information System (SIS) and to exchange data with private companies when dealing with terrorist content or child sexual abuse material. Europol will also be allowed to process personal data in certain circumstances and pursue research and development projects in relevant areas.
To balance the new capabilities with rights safeguards, Europol’s Management Board must also nominate a Fundamental Rights Officer, and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) will have oversight over the police agency’s personal data processing operations.
The Council of the EU, gathering the ministers of member states, set its negotiating position in June.
Further information
- The adopted texts will be added here (21.10.2021)
- Press release after committee vote (12.10.2021)
- Rapporteur Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES)
- Draft report: Cooperation with private parties, processing of personal data, and support for research and innovation
- Draft report: Entry of alerts into SIS
- Procedure file: Cooperation with private parties, processing of personal data, and support for research and innovation
- Procedure file: Entry of alerts into SIS
- Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs