**Cooperation with Europe to Combat Crime ‘Not Merely Political’**
Nicosia, Cyprus – Justice Minister Costas Fytiris emphasized the significance of European cooperation in combating crime during his address at the 148th meeting of the Europol Management Board (MB) held at the Filoxenia conference centre on Monday. He stated that this collaboration is not just a political objective but yields tangible results in addressing various security challenges.
The two-day meeting is part of Cyprus' rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union and marks a significant occasion for the country, coinciding with the conclusion of its 18-month term in the deputy directorship of the Europol MB. Maria Charalambous, a Cypriot, has held the position of Deputy Director of the European Union and International Police Cooperation Directorate since January 2025. Cyprus is further represented on the Europol MB by Charalambos Philippides, who serves as chief inspector.
During his remarks, Minister Fytiris highlighted the evolving landscape of crime, driven by technological advancements and the proliferation of criminal organizations. He underscored the necessity for vigilance, coordination, and ongoing investment in collective capabilities to effectively address and mitigate threats. Key areas of focus for European cooperation include combating serious and organized crime, countering terrorism, protecting children from online risks, managing cyber-attacks, and investigating emerging forms of criminality.
Fytiris noted that innovations such as artificial intelligence, advanced data-analysis tools, and new technological applications are revolutionizing law enforcement practices. He acknowledged Europol's pivotal role in assisting EU member states to harness these capabilities in accordance with fundamental EU principles.
The meeting also featured comments from police chief Themistos Arnaoutis, who remarked on the evolving security environment. He pointed out that security threats have become increasingly complex and often transcend national borders, stating, “No country on its own can deal with such cross-border phenomena.” In this context, he described Europol as a “valuable partner” for EU member states, facilitating support for national authorities and enhancing the sharing of information and technical expertise.
Ireneusz Sienko, chairman of the Europol MB, expressed gratitude to Cyprus for hosting the meeting, emphasizing that cooperation and the exchange of experiences are essential in the collective efforts to tackle threats both within Europe and beyond.
Europol, established in 1998 and headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, serves as the central hub for coordinating criminal intelligence among EU member states. The agency plays a crucial role in supporting efforts to combat various forms of serious and organized crime, as well as terrorism.
As the meeting progresses, participants are expected to engage in discussions aimed at strengthening collaborative strategies to enhance the security landscape across Europe, reflecting the pressing need for coordinated responses to contemporary crime challenges.