EU plans to boost Europol to combat organised crime

The EU said Tuesday it plans to boost its law enforcement agency, Europol, doubling its staff to turn it into a "truly operational" force investigating complex cross-border cases and organised crime.

The European Commission said it wants to "overhaul" the agency's mandate, as part of reforms aiming at bettering the bloc's response to internal security threats.

"We will propose to make Europol a catalyst for European security by doubling its staff, strengthening its mandate and improving its effectiveness," said Magnus Brunner, the EU commissioner for internal affairs.

With a staff of more than 1,400, Europol's current mission is to support the bloc's 27 nations in preventing and fighting "serious international and organised crime, cybercrime and terrorism".

The commission said its proposal aimed at strengthening the agency's role in investigating cross-border, large-scale, and complex cases.

Europol would also work more closely with other EU Agencies, notably Eurojust, a hub for judicial cooperation, and the European Public Prosecutor's Office, it said.

"Every day we hear that criminals are one step ahead. This can only change if we equip our law enforcement authorities with the means to act," Brunner said

The proposal is to be submitted to the European Parliament and EU member states for approval.