The European Parliament has today voted in favour of strengthening Europol and ensuring that it works in a clearer democratic framework.
S&D Group Vice-President Josef Weidenholzer said:
"The main lesson we have to learn from the horrific attacks in Paris and Brussels is that we still do not share information effectively enough between national law enforcement agencies. Today's revision of Europol's mandate will help to rectify this. We are equipping Europol with additional powers and resources that are urgently required in the fight against serious and organised crime.
"However with increased power comes increased responsibility. Following today's vote Europol will be subject to greater parliamentary scrutiny, with its actions monitored by a body made up of both members of the European Parliament and national parliaments. Europol will also face greater responsibilities in handling personal data - with strict new data protection provisions to ensure EU citizens' data is secure.
"Europol now has both the powers and the legal framework it needs to effectively fight cross-border crime in the 21st century."
