When the FBI Comes Calling…®
European Union Law Enforcement Organization (EUROPOL)
Intended primarily for the sharing of criminal intelligence within the European Union, the European Union Law Enforcement Organization (EUROPOL), headquartered in The Hague, plays an important role in countering transnational organized crime and terrorism. Like INTERPOL, EUROPOL acts not as a police force, but as a clearinghouse and facilitator for other policing agencies. Ultimately the organization is accountable to the Council of Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs within the EU, which appoints the director and deputy director, and makes final decisions regarding the budget. Internally, the organization is run by the director with the unanimous consent of the Management Board, comprised of one representative of each member state. Additionally, a Joint Supervisory Body, composed of two representatives from each member state, reviews materials to ensure that the rights of all individuals are secured.
EUROPOL additionally provides some assistance to third-party non-member states seeking mutual legal assistance. Most of that assistance is provided on the basis of an established agreement, although some is likely to be on an informal basis.
Annually, EUROPOL releases reports on transnational criminal activities within Europe. The following is selection of some of these reports:
- Forgery of Money 2004
Financial and Property Crime 2004
European Union Organized Crime Situation Report 2003
Money Laundering 2003
Terrorism 2003
EUROPOL Charter
U.S. - E.U. Supplemental Agreement on the Exchange of Personal Data and Related Information December 20, 2002
Rules applicable to Europol analysis files
Rules on the confidentiality of Europol Information
Rules concerning the receipt of information by Europol from third parties
Rules governing the transmission of personal data by Europol to third States and third bodies
Rules governing Europol's external relations with European Union-related bodies
Rules governing Europol's external relations with third States and non-European Union-related bodies