The European Union’s law enforcement agency Europol and Egypt’s Ministry of Interior have signed a working arrangement to strengthen cooperation in combating serious and organized crime, officials announced Tuesday.
The agreement, signed April 9, establishes a framework for increased collaboration in areas such as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, drug trafficking, and child exploitation. It allows Egypt to deploy a liaison officer to Europol headquarters in The Hague, joining more than 300 officers from over 50 partner countries.
While the arrangement does not permit the exchange of personal data, it enables the structured sharing of non-personal information and lays the foundation for deeper cooperation on urgent transnational threats, including terrorism and cross-border crime. It also includes safeguards to protect fundamental rights in accordance with the EU Charter and Europol’s internal regulations.
“This is a significant milestone in our partnership,” said Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle. “It reflects Egypt’s growing role as a key security partner for the EU.”
EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner welcomed the deal, saying it would enhance Europe’s internal security by targeting transnational criminal networks operating across borders.
Egypt has been a priority partner in the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood since 2017, when formal talks with Europol began. The agreement follows years of operational cooperation and increasing mutual trust between Egyptian and EU law enforcement agencies.
Europol supports EU member states in tackling international crime and terrorism and regularly partners with countries outside the EU to address global security threats.