During a two-day mission on 16-17 September, MEPs discussed the EU’s internal security agenda with the management of CEPOL, the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training, in Budapest.
The delegation from the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) consisted of MEPs Evin Incir
(S&D, Sweden) and Dolors Montserrat (EPP, Spain).
In Budapest, MEPs and CEPOL discussed the agency’s contribution to the EU’s internal security agenda, including in law enforcement training on counter-terrorism, combatting organised crime, and cyber threats. During the visit, participants also discussed CEPOL’s international cooperation with the EU's Eastern and Southern neighbours, its research and innovation activities, and training in fundamental rights including data protection.
At the end of the mission, Head of Delegation Evin Incir (S&D, Sweden) said:
“CEPOL plays a vital role in ensuring that European law enforcement officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to face evolving challenges. In an era marked by technological advancements and global crime networks, law enforcement navigates a complex legal and ethical landscape. We must ensure that security measures comply with fundamental rights, data protection standards, and democratic principles. In this context, fostering continuous learning and cross-border cooperation is more important than ever. This mission has reaffirmed the need for stronger cooperation between the Agency and the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee.”
Dolors Montserrat (EPP, Spain) added:
“Today, law enforcement across the European Union confronts a diverse set of threats: serious and organised crime, cybercrime, terrorism, human trafficking, and emerging threats in artificial intelligence. CEPOL helps our law enforcement officers in facing these threats, providing them with the best possible knowledge and resources. We need to protect those who are protecting us, and training plays a fundamental role in this regard. Among the focused areas to prioritise are in my view initiatives that support mental health and well-being among law enforcement officers. Regarding relations with partner countries, as Member of the European Parliament in the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee I will support increased cooperation between all the EU internal security agencies and Latin America in the fight against drugs and human trafficking.”
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Mailis Pukonen, Head of Strategic Planning and Directorate Unit at CEPOL stated:
“Hybrid threats, cyberattacks, terrorism, and organised crime are reshaping Europe’s security environment. The ProtectEU strategy reflects this reality, and CEPOL must ensure law enforcement has the skills to meet these challenges. This visit highlights growing recognition of CEPOL’s strategic role in strengthening EU internal security when resilience is more crucial than ever.”
