The Problem of Supervision and Control over the Activities of Europol – Selected Aspects

The article discusses the issues of supervision and control over Europol, which is based primarily on criminal intelligence processes, such as the collection, processing (analysis, evaluation, interpretation) and the exchange of information. Authorization for acquisition, collection, processing, verifying, and distribution of such information - with certain restrictions – is defined by Article 88 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and it is an indispensable prerequisite for its effective operation. Ensuring proper supervision and control of Europol's activities is a prerequisite for confidence in the Agency, both by the Member States, as well as individuals. The author also calls attention to different entities (such as Council of the European Union, European Parliament, European Commission, European Court of Justice, as well as national parliaments and other national and joint supervisory authorities) responsible for above-mentioned supervision and control process and underline its role in it. It is also important to ensure the right balance between operational efficiency and the protection of individual rights in situations where to support the development of police cooperation in the fight against cross-border threats the information and intelligence is collected, processed and exchanged. The control and the issues concerning influence on Europol Agency are extremely complex because of its specific legal status, scope of operations and the location within the institutional system.