Migrant-smuggling: new resources and a stronger role for Europol

A proposed law, endorsed today by Civil Liberties Committee MEPs with 56 votes in favour, 10 against and 3 abstentions, would give the EU’s police agency Europol new tools to combat and investigate migrant-smuggling and human trafficking by coordinating the actions of EU national authorities. A European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling (ECAMS) would be formally established within Europol to support investigations between EU countries. It would bring together a representative from each member state and permanent representatives of Eurojust and Frontex to ensure effective coordination. To solidify the Centre, Europol would receive an additional budget of € 50 million in 2025–2027 and 50 additional staff members. ECAMS as a dedicated information and coordination hub In their draft position to the law, MEPs want to make sure the ECAMS has the necessary powers to identify and monitor migrant-trafficking and smuggling activities, and support Member States’ cross-border cooperation and investigations. They also want to ensure that the Centre receives adequate resources to fulfil its tasks. The draft EP position rejects the Commission’s proposal to codify in law Europol operational deployments and task forces. Effective data processing in line with EU law The draft text also clarifies the powers of Europol staff to take investigative measures (always in agreement with national authorities). MEPs want to clarify the role of Europol in processing biometric data, which may be...