The Spanish Guardia Civil has dismantled a criminal network engaged in large-scale drug trafficking from South America to Europe. Europol supported the operation against the criminals, who used an elaborate modus operandi to retrieve smuggled cocaine from shipping containers in the Spanish port of Algeciras. The organisation relied on a dedicated front companies to launder […]
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Joint Statement on the repudiatory acts of violence in Putumayo and the process of dialogue between the Government and the Central General Staff
We, the undersigned, the National Conciliation Commission (CNC), international organizations and countries that have been following the process of rapprochement between the Government of Colombia and the Central High Command, declare the following regarding the repudiatory acts of violence that have occurred in Putumayo and the process of dialogue and ceasefire between the parties: We […]
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Europol assists in dismantling one of Europe’s largest pirate IPTV services
Europol has supported the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) in taking down an illegal IPTV (Internet Protocol television) service serving over 1 000 000 users across Europe. On 23 May, a series of raids were carried out across the Netherlands as part of an illegal streaming crackdown. The officers from the FIOD searched […]
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MEPs vote to speed up the freezing and confiscation of criminal assets
The new legislation on seizing criminal assets would ensure fast and efficient freezing operations everywhere in the EU, and quicker compensation for victims. To speed up asset freezing and confiscations and close loopholes, MEPs on the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee adopted on Tuesday a draft position on new rules with 50 votes […]
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Foreign affairs ministers discuss situation in Ukraine
The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine focusing on the various ongoing strands of work, in particular continued military assistance for Ukraine’s defence and measures to isolate Russia. The High Representative urged EU ministers to speed up the delivery and joint procurement of ammunition for Ukraine, and to finalise work for […]
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EU prisons: prison numbers and overcrowding
In 2021, there were 475 038 prisoners in the EU, equivalent to 106 prisoners per 100 000 people. The prisoner rate increased after a decline in 2020 (104 prisoners per 100 000 people) but remained the second-lowest figure since the turn of the century. The highest prisoner rates per 100 000 people in 2021 were […]
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The King of Spain visits the European Union Satellite Centre
The European Union Satellite Centre was honoured to host His Majesty the King on a special visit to SatCen headquarters on 11 May 2023. It was the King’s first visit as Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces to the Centre, coinciding with 30 years since the start of SatCen’s operational activities. […]
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Twelve ways to prevent and counter violent extremism according to CORDIS
The EU was established with the aim to provide common ground, literally and metaphorically, for its members to thrive in a stable and secure environment, being ‘united in diversity.’ The emergence of violent extremism, populism and radicalisation undermines European cohesion, unsettling the Union’s foundations and fostering insecurity among its citizens. For some, different ideological traditions […]
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Press statement by President von der Leyen with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
Dear President Zelenskyy, dear Volodymyr, It is an honour and it is a privilege to be here on the 9 May. The 9 May is a day to celebrate peace and unity in Europe, to remember the lessons of our history and to commit to leave a better future for the next generations. So it […]
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