20/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, the Commission presented a Council draft decision aimed at replacing the 1995 convention on the creation of Europol. The Commission's proposal aims to transform Europol into a Union agency (Community budget, personnel statute, etc.). It also extends the Europol mandate to cover all serious cross-border crime. It will allow Europol to assist Member States in public law and order enforcement during organised large-scale events, such as international football matches. The processing of data available to Europol will be improved (e.g. creation of ad hoc databases on insecure internet sites) while ensuring a high level of protection of personal data. The European Parliament will play a more active role and be kept better informed. The 2007-2013 financial framework already provides for financing of the Europol budget as of 2010 (€82 million for the first year). The proposal comes after clearance was given early December by the JHA Council. (EUROPE 9323). (bc)