Europol set to get wider powers
European Union ministers have agreed to increase the powers of Europe’s police agency, Europol, to give it an operational role in investigations. EU justice and interior ministers, meeting in Vienna, agreed that Europol needed to become more efficient. But changes cannot be made until all 25 EU states ratify the protocols of Europol’s founding convention. Europol provides intelligence and support to national police forces, but cannot arrest suspects. Full Story