Commission to step up fight against people smuggling and trafficking

The European Commission strives to increase police cooperation in the fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. In November, the Commission proposed a regulation that would reinforce Europol's role and increase information sharing between Member States. The Government expressed its position on the Commission's proposal in its communication submitted to Parliament on 25 January 2024.

The Commission is planning to reinforce the role of Europol, the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, in combating crimes related to migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. The European Migrant Smuggling Centre (EMSC), which operates under Europol, would play a key role.

The Commission aims to improve both cooperation between EU agencies and information sharing between Member States and Europol.

Operational cooperation would also be increased. Member States should designate specialised units for combating migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. They should also provide the resources to establish operational task forces to conduct joint, coordinated and prioritised criminal intelligence activities and investigations with the support of Europol. Member States already cooperate in their investigations with Europol's support. Legislation would be used to provide operational tools.

Combating and preventing migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings is a key objective for the EU. Most migrants entering the EU illegally use people smugglers, who are mostly members of organised criminal groups. These smuggling networks also commit other crimes, such as trafficking in human beings, and drug and firearms trafficking.

Effective fight against migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings requires EU cooperation

The Government states that to address migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings effectively, the EU Member States need to cooperate with each other and with countries of origin and transit. The Government endorses the measures proposed by the Commission.

While the Government supports better information sharing to combat these phenomena, it draws attention to the need to provide precise and specific regulation, in particular on disclosing non-disclosable information and processing sensitive information.

The Government welcomes the initiative to develop Europol's activities. It is important that Europol continues to be able to support Member States as effectively as possible in the fight against serious and organised crime. As the law drafting progresses, ensuring the clarity of roles and powers will also be important.

Inquiries: 
Pekka Vasara, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 547, [email protected]