Agreement on strategic cooperation between Brazil and Europol

2016/0801(CNS)

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs adopted, in the framework of Parliament’s consultation procedure, the report by Claude MORAES (S&D, UK) on the draft Council implementing decision approving the conclusion by the European Police Office (Europol) of the Agreement on Strategic Cooperation between the Federative Republic of Brazil and Europol.

The committee proposed that the European Parliament should approve the Council draft. It called on the Commission to:

  • assess, after the entry into force of the new Europol Regulation, the provisions contained in the cooperation agreement;
  • inform Parliament and the Council of the outcome of this assessment and, if appropriate, to submit a recommendation for an authorisation to open international renegotiation of the agreement.

Members supported the conclusion of this strategic cooperation agreement with Brazil, since it would aid and reinforce the fight against organised crime and would contribute to enhancing international law enforcement co-operation.

According to Europol, Brazil is increasingly relevant in the fight against organized crime, such as facilitated illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings, drug related crimes and credit card fraud, as well as other cybercrime related activities. Furthermore, the 2016 Olympic Games are expected, as is the case with any other major sports event, to lead to increased criminal activities. Lastly, Brazil is also of particular interest in the area of counter-terrorism and asset recovery.