The European Parliament today adopted new rules on EUROPOL, the EU's law enforcement agency. The new rules will strengthen EUROPOL's ability to ensure cross-border cooperation between police services. After the vote, Greens/EFA vice-president Josep-Maria Terricabras said:

“The tragic terrorist attacks in Brussels and Paris have starkly highlighted the need for better cooperation between police and security forces in Europe. To that end, the new rules approved today are welcome as they include provisions to better facilitate cross-border cooperation between law enforcement forces and improve the exchange of information. As terrorism and organised crime does not respect international borders, it is essential to also ensure cooperation with authorities outside the EU and other international organisations.

"The more EUROPOL develops investigative capacities, the more legal guarantees and parliamentary scrutiny are needed to prevent unlawful mass surveillance of citizens or indiscriminate exchange and analysis of personal data that could be disproportionate, unnecessary and contrary to fundamental rights. The text includes satisfactory provisions to this end, according to the recently approved reform of EU data protection rules. While we would have preferred stronger provisions to this end, these rules are a positive step towards improved cooperation between police and security services in Europe."

Richard More O'Ferrall,

Press and media officer,

Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament

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