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Commissioner Magnus Brunner at LIBE Committee to discuss revising Europol’s mandate

On 19 March, 2026, Commissioner Magnus Brunner appeared before the European Parliament’s LIBE Committee to discuss revising Europol’s mandate to address persistent gaps in cooperation and information-sharing.

The concern; Europe’s fragmented law enforcement framework is becoming a structural vulnerability, one that organised crime is increasingly exploiting.

The meeting highlighted the increasing sophistication of organised crime, particularly as criminal operations utilise digital technologies that transcend jurisdictional borders.

A key takeaway from the discussion was the urgent need for improved information exchange among EU Member States and between EU agencies like Europol, Eurojust, and EPPO. Currently, fragmented rules hamper cooperation, ultimately affecting security within the European Union. Closing the information gap is imperative for effective law enforcement and investigations into cross-border crimes.

Moreover, the importance of fostering international partnerships cannot be overstated. As emphasised by the Council of the European Union in the review of the Law Enforcement Directive, strengthening cooperation with third countries and international organisations is essential to combatting global crime effectively.

The proposed new Europol Regulation is due to be published in Q2 2026. The proposals for improving Europol’s operational effectiveness need to ensure security measures are undertaken while protecting citizens’ rights and civil liberties. Solid regulatory frameworks can empower Europol while ensuring respect for fundamental rights within criminal justice systems.

As ever, Privacy Next will be following developments and providing updates.