Agreement on operational and strategic cooperation between Ukraine and European Police Office (Europol)

2016/0811(CNS)

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs adopted, following the Parliament’s consultation procedure, the report by Mariya GABRIEL (EPP, BG) on the draft Council implementing decision approving the conclusion by the European Police Office (Europol) of the Agreement on Operational and Strategic Cooperation between Ukraine and Europol.

The committee approved the Council draft.

As a reminder, the proposal concerns the proposed approval of an operational and strategic agreement between Europol and Ukraine, providing for the exchange of information, including personal data. Such information could be in the field of specialist knowledge, general situation reports, results of strategic analysis, information on criminal investigation procedures, information on crime-prevention methods, participation in training activities as well as providing advice and support in individual criminal investigations.

The explanatory statement of the report stated that according to Europol, Ukraine is increasingly relevant in the fight against organized crime, and more specific drug-related and economic crimes, trafficking in human beings and smuggling, as well as mobile (itinerant) organised crime groups. Exchange of information will enable the EU, Member States and Ukraine to prevent and combat organised crime, terrorism and other forms of international crime more effectively. The conclusion of this strategic and operational cooperation agreement with Ukraine is important as it would aid and reinforce the fight against organized crime.