The European Commission revealed on Tuesday plans to boost the European Union’s internal security by broadening Europol’s remit, tightening law enforcement access to information, and bolstering border and justice authorities.
With increasing geopolitical tensions, hybrid threats, and the increasing spread of digital crime, the EU is developing strategies to more effectively fight organized crime, terrorism, and cyber threats. The Commission’s new security strategy places a high priority on investing more resources in law enforcement and strengthening key EU agencies.
“We will make Europol an actual working police agency,” stated European Commission Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen. She underscored the requirement for extra resources, explaining that Europol’s current mandate does not extend to hybrid threats or sabotage. Under the suggested amendments, Europol will support member states in combating a wider scope of cross-border offenses.
A legislative initiative to reshape Europol is pending in 2026 as part of this policy. Besides expanding Europol, the Commission intends to reinforce Frontex, the EU border agency, and to reform Eurojust, which handles criminal justice cooperation. Physical and cyber infrastructure measures are also featured in the package.
“Security is a key concern in all that we do,” Virkkunen said, emphasizing the Commission’s determination to evolve law enforcement capacity for new challenges.
The Commission will also outline a roadmap addressing legitimate and efficient data access for law enforcement. Virkkunen accepted that authorities do not have enough tools to fight online crimes but emphasized the need to balance security provisions with the right to privacy.
As Europe faces changing security threats, the planned reforms herald a major move towards a more effective and coordinated crime prevention and law and order system in the EU.
