EU Bolsters Fight Against Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking
The European Union has strengthened its resolve to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Today, the European Parliament and Council agreed provisionally to enhance Europol's role in these critical areas, following President von der Leyen's emphasis on the issue in her 2025 State of the Union address.
The new regulation, proposed by the European Commission in November 2023, will boost Europol's operational capacity with an additional €50 million and 50 staff. This will enable Europol to better assist national law enforcement in dismantling transnational criminal networks involved in these crimes.
Europol's Management Board will adopt implementing rules to establish the European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling. This centre will include representatives from the European Union, the Council of Europe, Eurojust, Frontex, and other relevant EU bodies and agencies. It will facilitate cooperation among multiple European states and agencies focused on security and combating cross-border organized crime.
The regulation also increases Europol's biometric data processing capabilities, with additional funding allocated for this purpose. Moreover, it improves information sharing between Europol and Member States, with new responsibilities for Member States to share information with Europol and other Member States participating in operational task forces.
The regulation must now be formally adopted by the European Parliament and the Council before it enters into force, which will happen 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Once implemented, this reinforcement of Europol's role will significantly bolster the EU's fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
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