Brussels: The European Parliament and EU member states have reached a provisional agreement to enhance Europol’s role in supporting member states against migrant smuggling and human trafficking. This significant deal focuses on improving information sharing between member states and Europol to boost cooperation at the EU level. The provisional agreement awaits confirmation by the Council and the European Parliament.

According to Emirates News Agency, the new rules amend the mandate of Europol, the EU agency that assists national law enforcement bodies in fighting organized crime and terrorism. Once adopted, these rules will reinforce information-sharing obligations concerning migrant smuggling and human trafficking between national authorities and Europol.

The agreement specifies that relevant information on migrant smuggling and trafficking from immigration liaison officers, who are deployed by member states in third countries, should be shared with Europol. This move is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in combating these crimes.

The Council and European Parliament have also agreed to establish a European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling as a permanent structure within Europol. This center will provide strategic, operational, and technical support to member states to prevent and combat migrant smuggling and trafficking. It will also assist in identifying victims of trafficking or other vulnerable individuals.

To further bolster efforts, Frontex, the EU’s border agency, and Eurojust, the European Union agency for criminal justice cooperation, are expected to second liaison officers to the center in line with their mandates. Additionally, Europol is set to receive an increase in human and financial resources, with 50 additional staff and £50 million allocated to implement the new tasks.

The initiative comes in response to the alarming statistic that over 90 percent of irregular migrants reaching the EU utilize the services of smugglers, with these networks generating profits estimated between £4.7 and £6 billion annually.