The European Commission introduced “Protect EU,” a new internal security strategy, to bolster Europol and improve the EU’s overall security capabilities. The strategy aims to enhance coordination, information sharing, and resilience against security threats.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of security for open societies and a thriving economy, highlighting the need to combat terrorism, organized crime, cybercrime, and attacks on critical infrastructure.

A key component of “Protect EU” is a strengthened mandate for Europol, transforming it into a more operational police agency to better support member states. The Commission proposes doubling Europol’s staff to enhance its effectiveness.

Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner stated that strengthening law enforcement agencies is crucial to stay ahead of criminals. The proposal includes expanding Europol’s mandate to include combating hybrid threats and sabotage, with a law to be proposed next year.

The enhanced mandate would give Europol a greater role in investigating cross-border, large-scale cases, fostering closer cooperation with agencies like Eurojust and EPPO. This increased support aims to strengthen member states’ capacity for effective investigations through digital forensics, data processing, and the use of innovative technologies, ultimately suppressing illegal profits.