Europol, also called the European Police Office, is the criminal intelligence agency of the European Union (EU). Europol assists EU member states in their efforts to combat such activities as terrorism, unlawful drug trafficking, illegal immigration, counterfeiting, child pornography, unlawful vehicle trafficking, and money laundering. Europol also promotes cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of different EU states.
Europol is strictly a support service for law enforcement agencies within the EU. The organization itself has no executive powers, and its officials cannot arrest suspects or provide law enforcement without the approval of national authorities. When two or more EU states are affected by criminal activity, Europol helps with the exchange of information, provides analysis, and generates strategic reports. The agency also supports investigations and operations within the EU through an extensive criminal database.
Europol was created as part of the Treaty on European Union in 1992. It began limited operations in January 1994, and it gained its full authority in July 1999. Europol assists all EU member states and cooperates with many outside nations and organizations. It receives funding from the member states and is under the guidance and control of the EU Council of Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs. Europol has headquarters in The Hague, in the Netherlands.
See also Interpol .
