Europol: the collective intelligence behind Europe’s security

Created to facilitate cooperation between national police forces, Europol has become the operational and analytical heart of Europe’s fight against organised crime. From intelligence analysis to anticipating emerging threats, the agency supports nearly 5,000 cross-border investigations every year. Faced with the convergence of organised crime, cyberspace and geopolitical crises, Europol is shaping a new security architecture built on trust, technology and cooperation among the 27 EU Member States.

Interview with Catherine de Bolle, Executive Director Europol

© Europol

Interviewed by MÉLANIE BENARD-CROZAT

FROM A COORDINATION BODY TO A STRATEGIC ACTOR IN EUROPEAN SECURITY

Europol was created to facilitate cooperation between national police forces. Over time, it has grown into the operational and analytical hub of European law enforcement. Today, Europol supports close to 5 000 cross-border investigations every year and provides the analytical backbone for the EU’s internal security. We have become a strategic actor by connecting intelligence and anticipating emerging threats. The shift reflects the reality that no Member State can tackle serious organised crime alone. Europol’s strength lies in making national efforts more effective through a shared European framework.

CURRENT THREAT LANDSCAPE AND TRENDS BY 2030

The latest EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (EU-SOCTA 2025) shows that the very DNA of organised crime is changing and with it, the nature of the threat to Europe. Criminal networks are no longer bound by traditional structures or borders. They have adapted to a world shaped by global instability, digitalisation and emerging technologies, becoming more entrenched and destabilising than ever before. We are seeing three defining shifts. First, crime is increasingly destabilising. Organised crime has moved beyond a threat to public safety; it undermines our institutions, our economies and our societies. Its effects are visible both internally through corruption, violence and the laundering of illicit proceeds, and externally, where criminal networks increasingly act as proxies for hybrid threat actors. Second, crime is nurtured online. Almost every form of serious criminal activity now has a digital footprint. From drug trafficking to money laundering and online fraud, the internet has become the main theatre of operations. Criminals exploit digital infrastructure to conceal their identity, coordinate globally and monetise stolen data, which has become the new currency of power. Third, crime is accelerated by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The same qualities that make AI transformative, such speed, scalability and adaptability, are being exploited to automate and expand criminal operations. Generative AI is already being misused to create deepfakes, fuel online fraud and produce synthetic child sexual abuse material. Looking ahead to 2030, we expect these trends to intensify. The convergence of organised crime and cybercrime will deepen, blurring the boundaries between the virtual and physical worlds. Criminals will continue to infiltrate the legal economy, exploit global crises and weaponise new technologies. Europol’s task will be to stay ahead of this evolution by breaking the criminal code before it rewrites the rules of our security.

HOW HAS EUROPOL ADAPTED TO MEET THESE CHALLENGES?

Our response combines operational support, innovation, and foresight. Europol has strengthened its analytical capabilities and built specialised centres, in cybercrime, financial and economic crime, terrorism and serious organised crime, to better tackle cross-cutting threats. We have invested in innovation through the Europol Innovation Lab, which monitors emerging technologies and their criminal misuse. We also strengthened our data analysis capacities to handle the exponential growth of digital evidence. The expansion of Europol’s mandate allows us to process more data and cooperate with private partners under strict safeguards. These adaptations position Europol to anticipate the next generation of threats.

EMERGING CRIMINALITY LINKED TO HYBRID WARFARE, CYBERCRIME, DISINFORMATION AND THE MISUSE OF AI

Hybrid warfare itself is not part of Europol’s mandate. However, we address the criminal activities that intersect with hybrid tactics, such as cyberattacks, disinformation used for fraud or extortion, and the misuse of AI. Europol works closely with Member States and other EU bodies to share intelligence and strengthen Europe’s resilience. We target the infrastructure that sustains criminal activity from encrypted communication tools to money laundering services. Criminal networks now rely on digital platforms for logistics, recruitment, and financial flows. Our approach is therefore multi-layered: taking down their online enablers, tracing illicit profits, and dismantling their physical networks.

THE INFLUENCE OF GEOPOLITICAL CRISES ON EUROPOL’S WORK

Conflicts create new opportunities for serious organised crime. The war in Ukraine, for example, has exposed Europe to risks related to weapons diversion, human trafficking and circumvention of sanctions. Europol responded by setting up dedicated operational task forces, strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries, and intensifying intelligence. These crises have reinforced the need for resilience and unity in Europe’s security response.

THE THREE MAIN SECURITY CHALLENGES FOR THE EU OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

First, the infiltration of the legal economy by organised crime, which erodes trust and governance. Second, the convergence of cyber and traditional crime. Third, the exploitation of geopolitical instability by criminal actors, whether through migration flows, conflict zones, or fragile supply chains. These challenges demand a stronger, more adaptive european security architecture-one that combines intelligence, technology, and shared responsibility.

HOW CAN COOPERATION BE PRESERVED IN A FRAGMENTED WORLD?

Trust is our most valuable currency. Europol’s success depends on secure information sharing between partners. Even as the world becomes more fragmented, Europe must remain committed to the highest model of cooperation one that protects citizens while respecting data and privacy rights. Our systems are built on transparency and accountability. This is what allows us to maintain trust among Member States and partners worldwide.

STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND NEW PARTNERSHIPS

Europol cooperates exclusively with law enforcement authorities, but our network extends far beyond Europe with more than 54 countries and organisations represented at Europol’s headquarters and over 3 000 SIENA connections to competent law enforcement authorities globally. While we do not cooperate directly with military organisations like NATO, our efforts complement each other in strengthening Europe’s security and resilience. Europol is continuously expanding its network of trusted law enforcement partners around the world. New cooperation agreements are being explored to strengthen information sharing, support joint investigations, and address emerging global crime threats more effectively. Our goal is to ensure that law enforcement cooperation keeps pace with the realities of serious organised crime.

A EUROPEAN SECURITY CULTURE SHARED BY 27

Europol is a place where Europe’s collective security truly comes together under one roof. Every day, experts from 54 countries – including all 27 EU Member States work side by side on shared investigations. This daily cooperation builds a genuine European security culture, grounded in trust and common purpose.