The European Union is moving to strengthen its law enforcement agency Europol as organised crime becomes increasingly digital and international, the European Commission said on Wednesday.

The new measures aim to help Europol respond more quickly to cross-border crimes by improving data sharing, cooperation between investigators and coordination with international partners.

EU officials said criminals are increasingly using digital tools to operate across borders, creating new challenges for authorities trying to investigate and disrupt criminal networks.

Europol to build new digital infrastructure

Under the plans, Europol will develop a sovereign cloud infrastructure and establish a shared data space to allow investigators to work together more efficiently on joint cases.

The Commission said the upgrades are designed to improve the exchange of information and make cooperation between law enforcement agencies easier.

Europol will also create support offices in EU countries, staffed by officers with previous experience at the agency, to strengthen connections with national authorities.

Focus on AI scams and migrant smuggling

The move comes as European authorities face growing concerns over the use of technology by organized crime groups.

Europol warned last year that criminal networks were using artificial intelligence-powered scams to target victims.

Tackling smuggling groups involved in illegally moving migrants across Europe also remains a priority for many governments.

As reported in Reuters, EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen said criminals are increasingly exploiting digital platforms to operate without borders. “Criminals are highly adept at exploiting the opportunities of the digital realm, operating effectively across borders without limitations,” Virkkunen said.

Closer cooperation with justice agencies

The European Commission said Europol will also deepen cooperation with international partners and improve coordination with Eurojust, the EU’s judicial cooperation body.

The changes are intended to strengthen Europe’s ability to share intelligence, coordinate investigations and bring suspected criminals to justice.

“We are strengthening both Europol and Eurojust so that Europe can respond faster, share information more effectively, and bring criminals to justice more efficiently,” Virkkunen said.