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Guides on the EU crime and justice policy.
Upgrade of European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS) by EUbusiness — last modified 19 January 2016, 23:31 CET
The European Commission proposed on 19 January to facilitate the exchange of criminal records of non-EU citizens in the EU by upgrading the European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS).
EU action to combat terrorism and illegal trafficking of firearms and explosives by EUbusiness — last modified 02 December 2015, 23:18 CET
The European Commission adopted on 2 December a package of measures to step up the fight against terrorism and the illegal trafficking of firearms and explosives.
Proposals to strengthen control of firearms across the EU by EUbusiness — last modified 19 November 2015, 00:06 CET
The European Commission adopted on 18 November a package of measures to make it more difficult to acquire firearms in the European Union, track legally held firearms, strengthen cooperation between Member States, and ensure that deactivated firearms are rendered inoperable.
EU Directive on Victims' Rights by EUbusiness — last modified 16 November 2015, 23:53 CET
New EU rules on victims' rights that apply as of 16 November 2015 will bring major changes in the way victims of crime are treated in Europe.
European Agenda on Security by EUbusiness — last modified 28 April 2015, 17:15 CET
The European Commission set out on 28 April a European Agenda on Security for the period 2015-2020 to support EU Member States' cooperation in tackling security threats and step up Europe's common efforts in the fight against terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime. The Agenda sets out the concrete tools and measures which will be used in this joint work to ensure security and tackle these three most pressing threats more effectively.
Reform of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) by EUbusiness — last modified 11 June 2014, 23:56 CET
The European Commission has proposed measures to further safeguard procedural guarantees in OLAF investigations, in order to complete the already comprehensive reform of the EU's anti-fraud office. The proposal foresees the creation of a new Controller of Procedural Guarantees, who would have two main functions. First, he would be responsible for reviewing and providing recommendations on complaints that might be lodged by anyone implicated in an OLAF investigation. Second, OLAF will have to get authorisation from the Controller before inspecting the offices of members of EU institutions, or taking any documents or data from these offices. Today's proposal is another step to ensure that OLAF can continue to work efficiently and independently in protecting EU financial interests, while also guaranteeing the effective protection of fundamental rights. It complements the proposal for the European Public Prosecutor's Office and the overall improvement of the EU anti-fraud framework in recent years.
European Cybercrime Center EC³ by EUbusiness — last modified 10 February 2014, 18:46 CET
What are the main future cybercrime threats on the horizon? And how has the European Cybercrime Center (EC3) contributed to protect European citizens and businesses since its launch in January 2013? These questions are at the core of an EC3 report presented on 10 February, and discussed at a conference organised by the European Commission, with participants from law enforcement authorities, national and EU institutions and the private sector.
Directive on criminal sanctions for market abuse by EUbusiness — last modified 04 February 2014, 14:46 CET
Judges imposing their countries’ maximum penalties for serious offences such as manipulating the LIBOR benchmark interest rate would have to stipulate at least four years in jail under draft rules approved by the European Parliament on 4 February 2014. These rules, which aim to restore confidence in the EU's financial markets and improve investor protection, now have to be formally approved by EU Member States.
EU action against gun violence - Communication by EUbusiness — last modified 21 October 2013, 18:11 CET
The European Commission has presented suggestions on how to reduce gun related violence in Europe. It identifies actions at EU level, through legislation, operational activities, training and EU funding, to address the threats posed by the illegal use of firearms. The ideas address weaknesses in the EU across the whole lifecycle of weapons, including production, sale, possession, trade, storage and deactivation, while respecting strong traditions of lawful gun use, such as sports shooting and hunting for example.
European Arrest Warrant by EUbusiness — last modified 26 September 2013, 18:13 CET
The European Arrest Warrant (EAW), applied throughout the EU, replaced lengthy extradition procedures within the EU's territorial jurisdiction. It improves and simplifies judicial procedures designed to surrender people for the purpose of conducting a criminal prosecution or executing a custodial sentence or spell in detention.
European Public Prosecutor's Office by EUbusiness — last modified 17 July 2013, 22:25 CET
The European Commission is taking action to improve Union-wide prosecution of criminals who defraud EU taxpayers by establishing a European Public Prosecutor's Office. Its exclusive task will be to investigate and prosecute and, where relevant, bring to judgement – in the Member States' courts - crimes affecting the EU budget. The European Public Prosecutor's Office will be an independent institution, subject to democratic oversight.
Stricter EU-wide penalties for cyber attacks by EUbusiness — last modified 04 July 2013, 22:39 CET
Cyber criminals will face tougher penalties in the EU, under new rules adopted by Parliament on 4 July. The draft directive, already informally agreed with member states, also aims to facilitate prevention and to boost police and judicial cooperation in this field. In the event of a cyber attack, EU countries will have to respond to urgent requests for help within eight hours.
Improvements proposed for Europol by EUbusiness — last modified 27 March 2013, 15:22 CET
The European Commission has proposed to make the EU law enforcement Agency (Europol) more effective at collecting information, analysing it and sharing these analyses with the Member States. This will let Europol provide more concrete and targeted support to the national law enforcement authorities in their cross-border cooperation and investigations. At the same time the proposal increases Europol's accountability to the European Parliament and the national Parliaments and strengthens the protection of personal data. The new Regulation also reinforces the link between training and support to operational cooperation, by merging the European Police College (Cepol) within Europol and by making Europol responsible for joint training and exchange programmes for police and other law enforcement personnel.
Proposed Directive on Network and Information Security by EUbusiness — last modified 07 February 2013, 13:49 CET
The European Commission, together with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has published a cybersecurity strategy alongside a Commission proposed directive on network and information security (NIS). The cybersecurity strategy – "An Open, Safe and Secure Cyberspace" - represents the EU's comprehensive vision on how best to prevent and respond to cyber disruptions and attacks. The strategy articulates the EU's vision of cyber-security in terms of five priorities: Achieving cyber resilience Drastically reducing cybercrime Developing cyber defence policy and capabilities related to the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Developing the industrial and technological resources for cyber-security Establishing a coherent international cyberspace policy for the European Union and promoting core EU values. The proposed NIS Directive is a key component of the overall strategy and would require all Member States, key internet enablers and critical infrastructure operators such as e-commerce platforms and social networks and operators in energy, transport, banking and healthcare services to ensure a secure and trustworthy digital environment throughout the EU. The proposed Directive lays down measures including: (a) Member State must adopt a NIS strategy and designate a national NIS competent authority with adequate financial and human resources to prevent, handle and respond to NIS risks and incidents; (b) Creating a cooperation mechanism among Member States and the Commission to share early warnings on risks and incidents through a secure infrastructure, cooperate and organise regular peer reviews; (c) Operators of critical infrastructures in some sectors (financial services, transport, energy, health), enablers of information society services (notably: app stores e-commerce platforms, Internet payment, cloud computing, search engines, social networks) and public administrations must adopt risk management practices and report major security incidents on their core services.
Anti-Money Laundering by EUbusiness — last modified 05 February 2013, 18:33 CET
The European Commission has adopted two proposals to reinforce the EU's existing rules on anti-money laundering and fund transfers. The threats associated with money laundering and terrorist financing are constantly evolving, which requires regular updates of the rules. The package includes: a directive on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing[ and a regulation on information accompanying transfers of funds to secure "due traceability" of these transfers.
EU drug markets report: key findings by EUbusiness — last modified 31 January 2013, 17:56 CET
Europe is entering an important new era in the supply and demand for illicit drugs -- a development which is challenging current policies and responses. This is according to the first joint EU drug markets report from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and Europol released today in Brussels. The two EU agencies have joined forces to provide the first strategic analysis of the European illicit drug market in its entirety. In the report, they describe a market which is increasingly dynamic, innovative and quick to react to challenges and one which requires an equally dynamic, innovative and agile response across Europe. The report unveils the ‘changing face of organised crime in Europe’: while, historically, the EU drug market has focused on specific drugs trafficked by specialised operators along well-defined routes, the contemporary market is more ‘fluid’, with new routes and multi-substance consignments becoming more common.
The European Cybercrime Center EC³ by EUbusiness — last modified 09 January 2013, 18:18 CET
The European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) is up and running from 11 January 2013 to help protect European citizens and businesses from cyber-crime. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström takes part in the official opening of the Centre established at the European Police Office, Europol in the Hague (the Netherlands).
EU Strategy towards the eradication of trafficking in Human beings - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 19 June 2012, 18:34 CET
Hundreds of thousands of people are trafficked in the EU every year. Women and men, boys and girls in vulnerable positions are traded for the purpose of sexual or labour exploitation, removal of organs, begging, domestic servitude, forced marriage, illegal adoption as well as other forms of exploitation. The European Commission today adopted the EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings (2012-2016), a set of concrete and practical measures to be implemented over the next five years. These include the establishment of national law enforcement units specialised in human trafficking and the creation of joint European investigation teams to prosecute cross-border trafficking cases.
European Commission report on the application of the Third Anti-Money Laundering Directive - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 16 April 2012, 17:53 CET
In light of the recent adoption of revised international standards and of the European Commission's own review process, a report on the application of the Third Anti-Money Laundering Directive was adopted by the Commission on 11 April. The Report analyses how the different elements of the existing framework have been applied and considers how the framework may need to be changed. It contains an examination of the provisions of the Directive, and in general concludes that although the existing framework appears to work well and that no fundamental shortcomings have been identified which would require substantial changes, some modifications are necessary to adapt to the evolving threats posed. The Commission plans to bring forward a proposal for a fourth anti-money laundering Directive in autumn 2012.
European Cybercrime Centre - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 29 March 2012, 23:53 CET
The European Commission has adopted a Communication on a European Cybercrime Centre, to be established within the EU law enforcement agency, Europol. The Centre is to become the focal point in the fight against cybercrime in the Union.