The (R)Evolution of Europol’s Criminal Information Hub: From Data Collection To Accountability?

author Wannes Bellaert ()
journal RIDP (ISSN: 0223-5404)
volume 2026
issue Criminal Justice Systems and Organised Crime: Old Problems and New Perspectives
section Organised Crime, Criminal Procedure and International Cooperation
date of publication June 3, 2026
language English
pagina 193
OID
abstract

Over its nearly three-decade existence, Europol, particularly its Criminal Information Hub, has undergone significant evolutions to combat (organised) crime. Europol has experienced a systematic yet unstructured increase in competencies, accompanied by an increase in responsibility, without resulting in a similar increase in autonomy. Still, its autonomy has increased, necessitating Europol’s currently existing and suitable accountability framework. Nevertheless, two shortcomings exist: the immunity of Europol staff and the lack of mutual admissibility of evidence rules.