The European Commission has put forward a legislative package to expand the powers of the EU's two main law enforcement and judicial cooperation agencies, as crime becomes increasingly sophisticated, international and digital. The proposals cover the full chain of EU support to member states, from prevention and investigation through to prosecution and judicial cooperation.
The package includes two regulations to strengthen the mandates of Europol and Eurojust, a revision of the European Investigation Order, and amendments to the Data Protection Regulation for EU institutions and bodies.
Europol's expanded role
Under the proposed changes, Europol will gain new tools for real-time collaboration on cross-border investigations. These include a secure Police Shared Data Space, allowing investigators from different member states to work jointly on shared cases, and Europol Support Offices to be established within member states, staffed by officers with prior Europol experience.
A new technology and innovation hub will provide an EU-wide assessment of law enforcement capability needs and support joint research and development investment. Tools developed through the hub will be made available directly to national law enforcement authorities.
The proposals also foresee stronger cooperation between Europol, Eurojust and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), as well as reinforced engagement with international partner countries.
Eurojust's new mandate
Eurojust will be empowered to act on its own initiative to identify links between cases, anticipate coordination needs and resolve jurisdiction disputes at an earlier stage of proceedings. Its mandate will also be extended to cover emerging areas including cybercrime, violations of EU restrictive measures, and gender-based violence.
A new shared information system will allow Eurojust and Europol to more easily identify cases of mutual relevance.
Cross-border evidence and remote hearings
The revision of the European Investigation Order aims to simplify the cross-border gathering of evidence in criminal matters by clarifying procedures and removing operational obstacles. A new European Remote Participation Order will allow suspects, accused persons and victims to take part in criminal court hearings remotely from another member state.
Data protection update
The proposed update to the Data Protection Regulation for EU institutions and bodies seeks to facilitate more effective cooperation across criminal justice bodies, including by extending its scope to the EPPO.
