In order to ensure the success of our work in the future, Europol should continue to invest in technology and innovation, said Europol Executive Director Rob Wainwright to the participants in the meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group on Europol (JPSG). He presented the Multiannual Programming for the work of Europol for the period 2019-2021.
Today, the exchange of information is 9 times higher than 9 years ago, said Rob Wainwright. He stressed that, at the same time, Europol's resources have been increased two times. “There is a need for an increase in the budget, we do not expect this to happen automatically, but it will enable us to respond to the challenges we face” said Europol Executive Director.
Europol is flexible in implementing the strategic framework in its core areas of work - the fight against organized crime, cybercrime and terrorism, said Rob Wainwright. We are trying to support Member States in tackling illegal migration and human trafficking, he noted.
The Executive Director of Europol expressed his gratitude to the co-chairmen of the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group, Tsvetan Tsvetanov and Claude Moraes, for the adoption of the group's Rules of Procedure.
The Chairperson of the Management Board of Europol, Mr. Pritt Parkna noted that the Board looks forward to good cooperation with the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group. This will help the activities on enhancing security, such as interoperability, data protection, integrated data management, and more, he added. The MB continues to focus on combatting illegal migration, Pritt Parkna noted.
In response to a question about the follow-up of Brexit, Rob Wainwright said that Europol is interested in creating the necessary tools to keep existing links with the UK after Brexit.
