Europol: place, competences and parliamentary control

The committee adopted a report by Hartmut NASSAUER (PPE, D) calling for greater control by the European Parliament of Europol. The information on Europol's activities presently provided to the European Parliament represents insufficient supervision, while parliamentary control at the national level is too cumbersome and ineffective as a result of intergovernmental mechanisms. Europol should therefore be placed under the responsiblity of a European Commissioner, who should be fully answerable to the European Parliament. National parliaments should use their right to supervise the national government members responsible for Europol. Echoing Mr. Wiebenga's report (INI0969), the committee again advocated setting up a European Public Prosecutor's office to direct Europol's investigative activities. The committee also called for the creation of an independent body with authority to investigate any complaints against the police involving Europol decisions. And Europol's budget should be incorporated into the Community budget.