Agreement on strategic cooperation in the fight against serious crime and terrorism between the United Arab Emirates and European Police Office (Europol)

The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs adopted, in the framework of a special legislative procedure (Parliament’s consultation), the report by Alessandra MUSSOLINI (EPP, IT) on the draft Council implementing decision approving the conclusion by the European Police Office (Europol) of the Agreement on Strategic Cooperation in the fight against serious crime and terrorism between the United Arab Emirates and Europol.

The committee recommended the European Parliament to approve the Council draft.

The Commission is called upon to:

• assess, after the entry into force of the new Europol Regulation, the provisions contained in the cooperation agreement, in particular on data protection;
• inform the Parliament and the Council of the outcome of this assessment and, if appropriate, to submit a recommendation for an authorisation to open international renegotiation of the agreement.

To recall, according to the current Europol Council Decision (Decision 2009/371/JHA), it is for the Council to approve the conclusion of international cooperation agreements with thirds states or international organisations, after having consulted the European Parliament. Such agreements may concern the exchange of operational, strategic, technical or classified information. The operational cooperation agreement also includes the exchange of personal data.

This proposal concerns the proposed approval of a strategic cooperation agreement between Europol and the United Arab Emirates. Such strategic agreement excludes the exchange of personal data, so the issue of data protection is not relevant in this case. The information exchanged could include specialist knowledge, general situation reports, results of strategic analysis, information on criminal investigation procedures, information on crime-prevention methods, training activities, and the provision of advice and support in individual criminal investigations.

The explanatory statement accompanying the report stated that according to Europol, the United Arab Emirates are increasingly relevant in the fight against organized crime as that country is becoming a growing hub for economic and financial crime. Proceeds from criminal activities such as Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud, Missing Trader Intra Community (MTIC) fraud and Money Laundering have been reinvested in the United Arab Emirates and key criminals involved in these frauds have sought refuge there.

The conclusion of this strategic cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates would aid and reinforce the fight against financial fraud and would contribute to enhancing international cooperation in the field of financial investigation and other relevant criminal matters.