Crime in the EU

European Union crime and justice policy - European judicial cooperation in criminal matters - EU initiatives in in preventing and combating crime in Europe.

One hour for Internet firms to remove terrorist content

Internet companies would be forced to remove content promoting terrorism within an hour of being informed, under new EU rules adopted by an EU Parliament committee on Wednesday.

Eurojust launches new Counter-Terrorism Register

A new Counter-Terrorism Register, launched Thursday by Eurojust, the EU's agency on judicial cooperation, will help EU countries exchange information on terrorist offences in a quick, efficient and uniform manner.

New EU cybersecurity certification rules in force

The EU's Cybersecurity Act, agreed by negotiators in December 2018, entered into force Thursday, providing Europe with a framework of cybersecurity certification of products, processes and services.

Brussels seeks common approach to 5G security threats

The EU Commission recommended a common EU approach to 5G security Tuesday, setting out measures to ensure 5G infrastructures are resilient and secure from technical or legal 'backdoors'.

Brussels launches 'eLeniency' tool to help break cartels

A new online 'eLeniency' tool, launched by the EU on Tuesday, is aimed at making it it easier for companies and lawyers to submit documents as part of leniency and settlement proceedings in cartel cases.

MEPs call for tougher cyber-security to counter Chinese 5G threat

The EU Parliament called Tuesday for action at EU level on the security threats linked to China’s growing technological presence in the EU, as it adopted a new Cybersecurity certification scheme for products, processes and services.

Euro tax police needed to tackle financial crime: MEPs

A special tax committee set up by the EU Parliament in the wake of the Luxleaks, Panama Papers and Paradise papers scandals adopted Wednesday a roadmap to fairer, more effective taxation and to tackling financial crimes.

EU adds Saudi Arabia to money-laundering blacklist

Saudi Arabia has been added to the EU's list of 23 third countries with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing frameworks, revealed Wednesday by the Commission.

EC requests Maltese anti-money laundering watchdog to step up supervision of banks

The EU Commission requested the Maltese anti-money laundering supervisor Thursday to take additional measures to fully comply with its obligations under the fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive.

EU makes progress in fight against travel document fraud

The EU Commission took stock of measures to combat identity fraud Tuesday, implemented under a 2016 action plan to improve security of travel documents as part of the fight against terrorism.

VAT fraud costs the EU EUR 50 billion a year

EU countries lost almost EUR 150 billion in VAT revenues in 2016, of which EUR 50 bn went to the benefit of criminals, according to a new study published Friday by the European Commission.

Terrorist content removed from web in 1 hour under new EU rules

In his State of the Union address to the EU Parliament Wednesday, Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker outlined new rules which would get terrorist content off the web within one hour.

EU anti money-laundering rules enter into force

New EU rules against money laundering, which entered into force Monday, introduce stricter transparency requirements on the real owners of companies and strengthen the fight against terrorist financing.

New travel authorisation system to screen travellers before entering EU

The EU Parliament gave its green light Thursday to a new travel information and authorisation system intended to screen criminals and terrorists before they arrive in the EU. It should be operational in 2021.

Parliament, Council reach deal on EU-wide penalties for money laundering

The European Parliament and the EU Member States reached provisional agreement Thursday on strengthened criminal law measures to counter money laundering.

EU adopts amended money laundering, terrorist financing rules

The EU Council adopted Monday a directive strengthening EU rules to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing - part of an action plan launched after a spate of terrorist attacks in Europe in 2016.

Brussels wants fingerprints added to ID cards

The EU Commission put forward a package of security measures Tuesday, including more secure ID cards, stricter rules on explosives and firearms, and better data sharing to help fight crime and terrorism.

6 hours for tech firms to hand over key evidence under EU security proposal

Police and judicial authorities would gain easier and faster access to e-evidence such as e-mails or documents under new EU proposals to help them investigate, prosecute and convict criminals and terrorists.

"Highly likely" Russia behind UK attack: EU summit

At a summit in Brussels, EU leaders condemned Russia Thursday for the recent nerve agent attack in Britain, agreeing to coordinate their response "in the light of the answers provided by the Russian authorities".

EU gives tech giants one hour deadline to remove terrorist content

Tech giants Facebook and Google will be given one hour to remove terrorist content from their social media platforms under tighter rules on illegal content online, released Thursday by the EU Commission.

EU bolsters defences against terrorism

A package of anti-terrorism measures announced Wednesday will help address vulnerabilities exposed by recent terrorist attacks and make a real difference in enhancing security, says the EU Commission.

Tech giants under increased EU pressure over illegal content

The Commission presented guidelines and principles Thursday for online platforms to step up efforts to proactively prevent, detect and remove illegal content inciting hatred, violence and terrorism online.

Brussels to launch new cyber-security agency

The European Union proposed Tuesday a set of measures to step up its cybersecurity capacity, including a cyber-safety scheme and other tools to ensure Europe is better equipped to deal with cyber-attacks.

Countering 'hybrid' security threats a priority, says EU

The European Union outlined plans Wednesday to counter the growing threat to its security in the form of 'hybrid' threats, such as monitoring and countering illegal online content and propaganda.

EU to clamp down on illegal import of cultural goods to finance terrorism

The EU Commission put forward Thursday new rules to clamp down on the illegal import and trafficking of cultural goods from outside the EU, often linked to terrorist financing and other criminal activity.