Europol

This convention seeks to establish a European police office, known as Europol (on the basis of Article K.3 of the TEU) with the task of improving police cooperation in the field of terrorism, unlawful trafficking in drugs and other serious forms of international crime through the constant, certain and intensive exchange of information between this body and the national units of the Member States. The Convention defines the tasks of Europol, the information system which this body should establish, the method of dealing with the information gathered, the legal status of the body, its internal organization and the associated financial provisions. . tasks: initially Europol's main task will be the prevention and combating of unlawful drug trafficking, trafficking in nuclear and radioactive substances, illegal immigrant smuggling, trade in human beings and motor vehicle crime. Two years after the entry into force of this Convention (or earlier if the Council so decides acting unanimously), Europol can also deal with problems relating to terrorism. Europol should facilitate: - the exchange of information between Member States, - the collection of information through the national Europol units (liaison between Europol and the competent national departments), - the communication of information to the Member States which will facilitate inquiries. . information systems: creation of a computerized information system fed by the Member States (national Europol units) and Europol and comprising information on: - persons who in accordance with national law are suspected of having committed offences for which Europol is competent, - persons who there are serious ground for believing will commit criminal offences for which Europol is competent. The data on these persons are data relating to name, nationality, date and place of birth, sex and certain physical characteristics likely to assist in their identification. . protection of data of a personal nature: each Member State must adopt measures at the latest before the entry into force of this Convention to guarantee a level of data protection corresponding to that laid down in the Council of Europe Convention of 28 January 1981. The responsibility for the data rests with the Member State which has input the data and with Europol. In specific cases Europol may communicate certain information to third States. . right of access: any individual wishing to have access to data relating to him may request Europol to have the data relating to him checked by making a request to the national competent authority. Europol must correct the incorrect data and inform the persons concerned of this. . supervisory body: each Member State shall designate a supervisory body with the task of monitoring independently the input and consultation of personal data. A supervisory body shall also monitor Europol activity and the lawfulness of the communication of certain data. . legal status: Europol has legal personality and the most extensive legal capacity available to legal persons under national law. . administrative provisions for the internal organization of Europol: Europol shall have a Management Board, a director, a financial controller and a financial committee. Europol organs, members and employees (including liaison officers) are under an obligation of confidentiality in respect of their activities and may not divulge any fact or information relating to the performance of their duties (obligation of discretion). . budget: a budget containing the revenue and expenditure for the year is to be drawn up each year on the basis of a five-year plan. This budget is financed by Member States' contributions (in proportion to their respective GNP) and by other incidental income. . information to the European Parliament: the Council Presidency will forward each year a special report to the EP on the work of Europol. Parliament will be consulted in the event of any amendment to this Convention. . entry into force: the Convention is subject to ratification by the Member States and will enter into force three months after the last ratification instrument has been notified. When Europol takes up its activities, the activities of the Europol Drugs Unit will end and it will be reincorporated into Europol. �