On February 25th the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group (JPSG) on Europol convened in Warsaw, bringing together Members of the European Parliament to assess Europol’s operational impact, strategic direction, and evolving role in combating organised crime.
With serious and organised crime posing an increasing threat across Europe, the meeting aimed to address the complexities of today’s security landscape and set the stage for future law enforcement priorities.
The timing of this meeting is particularly significant, as it precedes the release of the EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (EU SOCTA) 2025, scheduled for publication on March 18th. This report is expected to outline the most pressing security threats facing the European Union and play a crucial role in shaping the strategic focus of law enforcement agencies for years to come.
The discussions in Warsaw focused on how Europol could enhance its operational effectiveness and strategic direction, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the fight against evolving criminal networks.
Strengthening Europol’s Strategic and Operational Direction
Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, addressed the JPSG, providing updates on key developments, including the Multiannual Programming Document 2026-2028, which sets out the Agency’s long-term objectives in combating organised crime, terrorism, and emerging security threats.
Ms. De Bolle emphasised Europol’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with law enforcement agencies worldwide, enhancing technological capabilities, and intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks. She also reiterated the Agency’s role in enforcing EU sanctions and countering the criminal infiltration of legal businesses.
“The future of Europol lies in equipping the Agency with the necessary tools and resources to tackle the growing complexities of financial crime, cybercrime, and migrant smuggling—critical areas for maintaining Europe’s safety,” she stated.
Operational Impact: A Focus on Fighting Organised Crime
At the operational level, Europol continues to deliver significant results in dismantling criminal networks across the EU. Intelligence gathered by the Agency indicates that 86% of criminal organisations exploit legal business structures to launder illicit profits. To counter this, Europol is actively collaborating with the private sector and national law enforcement agencies to disrupt these networks and close financial loopholes.
Migrant smuggling remains a key operational focus, as criminal groups increasingly exploit digital tools to facilitate illegal migration. To combat this, Europol launched DigiNex, an expert network dedicated to tackling the digitalisation of migrant smuggling. This initiative reflects the Agency’s proactive approach to adapting to new criminal methodologies.
In the realm of counter-terrorism, Europol is leading the charge against terrorist content online. A recent Referral Action Day targeted hate speech and incitement to violence, successfully removing harmful content before it could proliferate. This proactive measure underscores Europol’s commitment to maintaining a secure digital environment.
Looking Ahead: Shaping Europol’s Future Mandate
As the European Union prepares for the next phase of its internal security strategy, discussions at the JPSG meeting also focused on the future of Europol’s mandate. With a surge in operational demands, there is growing recognition of the need to enhance the Agency’s capabilities, particularly in the areas of financial crime, cybercrime, and migrant smuggling.
The evolving nature of organised crime necessitates a more robust and adaptable Europol. Strengthening the Agency’s technological infrastructure and expanding its resources are crucial steps to address the complexities of modern-day crime networks.
The JPSG meeting in Warsaw underlined the importance of a coordinated, EU-wide approach to combatting serious and organised crime. By bringing together parliamentarians and law enforcement leaders, the forum facilitated crucial discussions on enhancing Europol’s operational impact and strategic direction.
With the upcoming release of EU SOCTA 2025, the insights gained from this meeting will be instrumental in shaping future law enforcement priorities. As Europe faces increasingly complex security threats, Europol’s role as a central hub for intelligence sharing and operational coordination is more critical than ever.
Story/Image: EUROPOL.
