Europol director hails ‘impressive growth’ in cooperation with Malta Police Force

Europol director Rob Wainwright has said he is satisfied with the level of bilateral engagement taking place between the EU’s law enforcement agency and the Malta Police Force.

Speaking at a press conference following talks with home affairs minister Carmelo Abela, Wainwright said that he was pleased that there has been an "impressive growth" in the amount of information exchanged between the two agencies on a daily basis.

He added that Europol was working hard to monitor the activity and organised crime networks around Europe, and that it is determined to ensure an efficient exchange of information among some 700 police agencies around Europe.

Abela said that he was happy to have had the opportunity to exchange views on a number of security dossiers with the director as part of the final preparations for Malta's presidency of the European Council.

He said that border control as well as the threat posed by terrorism and organised crime will remain a top priority over the course of the presidency and stressed that Malta will do everything it can to further these agendas on a European level.

"Police cooperation between members states in fight against organised crime remains a priority," said Abela.

Abela said that EU policy in these areas requires there to be a robust action plan as security issues remain complex and challenging. He said European states must redouble their efforts and work closely together to ensure a safer Europe.

On his part, Wainwright said that it was good to hear that the presidency will be placing an emphasis on security and increased cooperation and pledged Europol's full support to the Maltese presidency.