Europol has supported Spanish authorities (Policía Nacional) in a transnational operation against a highly-organised network involved in both migrant smuggling and drug trafficking between Spain and Morocco. Authorities believe the group smuggled over 200 people and obtained over EUR 2.5 million in profits. The action day led to the following results: 8 arrests, including the […]
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Agreement reached to suspend visa-free travel over security and rights concerns
EP and Council teams have reached an agreement on grounds for suspending visa-free travel for short stays into the EU. A reform of the mechanism to suspend short-stay visa-free travel into the EU, agreed today between Parliament and Council negotiating teams, will allow the EU to respond more flexibly when countries backslide on important principles […]
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EU addressing military mobility challenges
To improve the movement of military troops, equipment and assets across the European Union and beyond, the European Commission and the EU’s High Representative, have started discussions with stakeholders to develop a Military Mobility Package. This package will address existing infrastructure bottlenecks, procedural obstacles, and capability gaps. It forms part of broader efforts to strengthen […]
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European Commission revises high-risk countries list to boost global efforts against financial crime
The European Commission has updated its list of high-risk jurisdictions presenting strategic deficiencies in their national anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes. EU entities covered by the AML framework are required to apply enhanced vigilance in transactions involving these countries. This is important to protect the EU financial system. A number […]
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Tenth EU-NATO report highlights joint efforts to strengthen cooperation in face of global security threats
The Council took note of the tenth progress report on the implementation of the 74 common proposals endorsed by the EU and NATO Councils on 6 December 2016 and 5 December 2017. The report confirms that NATO and the EU remain steadfast defenders of international peace and security and the rules-based international order. It stresses that shared security challenges […]
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50 arrested and 4 tonnes of cocaine seized in major anti-drug operation in Spain
Almost 50 suspects have been arrested in a large-scale operation supported by Europol against the largest criminal network operating in the Canary Islands (Spain). The investigation was led by Spanish authorities and also involved law enforcement from Portugal, Colombia, UK and USA. Results of the operation: 48 suspects arrested 3.8 tonnes of cocaine seized 29 […]
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EU adopts plan to improve cybersecurity crisis management
Telecoms ministers adopted on 6 June the EU Master Plan for Cybersecurity Crisis Management, which provides guidance for the EU’s response to large-scale cybersecurity incidents or cybersecurity crises. The EU Cybersecurity Master Plan is an important guidance resource through which Member States can improve their preparedness for cybersecurity incidents, as well as their detection and […]
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Europol leads operation against online terrorist content targeting minors
On 27 May, Europol coordinated a Referral Action Day (RAD) on minors’ exploitation and radicalisation online. More than 2 000 links pointing to jihadist and right-wing violent extremist and terrorist propaganda targeting minors were referred during the action day. The referral day took place only a few weeks after Europol launched a new Operational Taskforce to tackle […]
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Commission clears creation of defence joint venture by BAES, JAIEC, and Leonardo
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed creation of a joint venture (‘JV‘) between BAE Systems (Holdings) Limited (‘BAES‘), Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (‘JAIEC‘), and Leonardo S.p.A. (‘Leonardo‘). This JV will be the prime contractor and lead systems integrator for the Global Combat Air Programme. The Commission’s investigation The […]
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