19/06/24 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 19 June, the Council of the EU validated its mandate on the regulation aimed at strengtheningEuropol’s role in the fight against migrant smuggling networks. According to a press release, the regulation introduces provisions to improve information sharing at national and EU level. “Europol will be able to play a more significant role in supporting Member States through the processing of biometric data to close the blind spots that criminals seek to exploit by hiding behind false and multiple identities”. In addition, at the request of the Member States, Europol will be able to deploy staff or seconded national experts on the territory of Member States and in third countries. The EU Council also decided that Europol should receive additional financial and human resources to carry out its tasks. (SP)