Europol set to get wider powers

European Union ministers have agreed at an informal Justice and Home Affairs Council, Vienna, 13-14 January 2006, to increase the powers of Europe's police agency, Europol, to give it an operational role in investigations. Under the planned European security architecture, the role of Europol is to be expanded towards that of a European investigative authority with police powers.

Austria: EU Presidency: Press Release, 14.1.06: Gastinger: Europol and the role of justice http://www.eu2006.at/en/News/Press_Releases/January/1401gastingereuropol.html

Austria: EU Presidency: Press Release, 14.1.06: Prokop: More efficient structures in the fight against crime and terrorism http://www.eu2006.at/en/News/Press_Releases/January/1401prokopau__enstrategie.html?month=3&day=1

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