Revolutionizing Prosecution: The Future of EMPACT

Revolutionizing Prosecution: The Future of EMPACT

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Role of the Commission Services in EMPACT
3. Milestones in the Development of EMPACT
4. Integration of EMPACT with EU Strategies
5. The EU Security Union Strategy and EMPACT
6. The EU Strategy to Tackle Organised Crime 2021-2025
7. Six Work Strands to Reinforce EMPACT
8. Significant Funding for EMPACT
9. Modernizing and Upgrading the EMPACT Methodology
10. Extending the Use of the EMPACT Matrix
11. Expanding the External Dimension of EMPACT
12. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will Delve into the topic of EMPACT (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats) and its significance in fighting serious and organized crime. EMPACT is a comprehensive and holistic platform that brings together various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, judicial entities, administrative bodies, and EU agencies, to address priority crime areas. This article will explore the role of the Commission Services in EMPACT, the milestones achieved in its development, and its integration with EU strategies to combat organized crime.

Role of the Commission Services in EMPACT

The Commission Services play a significant supporting role in EMPACT while recognizing that it is primarily driven by the EU Member States. The role of the Commission Services includes policy development Based on the EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (SOCTA), support in the formulation of crime priorities, participation in the development of the multiannual strategic plan (MASP), coordination of EMPACT coordinated actions, and financial support through the Internal Security Fund (ISF). Additionally, the Commission Services conduct independent evaluations at the end of each EMPACT cycle to identify areas for improvement and ensure consistency with EU political priorities.

Milestones in the Development of EMPACT

Over the past months, significant milestones have been achieved in improving and streamlining EMPACT. An independent evaluation of EMPACT concluded that it is Relevant, effective, and increasingly efficient in combating organized crime. This evaluation generated recommendations that were endorsed by the Member States, leading to the permanent establishment of EMPACT and the adoption of crime priorities by the Council. The development of a comprehensive multiannual strategic plan and the strengthening of EMPACT's governance further contribute to its effectiveness in addressing organized crime.

Integration of EMPACT with EU Strategies

EMPACT is closely integrated with various EU strategies and action plans aimed at combating specific criminal activities. These strategies include those targeting child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms trafficking, and counter-terrorism. The EU Security Union Strategy emphasizes the importance of cooperation and information sharing among member states and highlights EMPACT as a means to connect the dots in building a real security ecosystem. The Commission Services ensure strategic coherence by aligning EMPACT with relevant EU security policies and capacity-building programs.

The EU Strategy to Tackle Organised Crime 2021-2025

The EU Strategy to Tackle Organised Crime 2021-2025 presents a 5-year program to strengthen European law enforcement in both the physical and digital realms. The strategy focuses on boosting law enforcement and judicial cooperation, effective investigations, eliminating criminal profits, and making law enforcement fit for the digital age. EMPACT plays a crucial role in achieving these priorities and is strongly articulated with the strategy.

Six Work Strands to Reinforce EMPACT

To further reinforce and develop EMPACT, the Commission Services propose six work strands. These strands include casting EMPACT into EU legislation to enhance its recognition and alignment with national strategies, significantly reinforcing funding through dedicated envelopes and grants, modernizing and upgrading the Current four-step methodology of EMPACT for greater coherence and understandability, extending the use of the EMPACT matrix to align activities with horizontal strategy goals, relying on European law enforcement networks and expert groups, and expanding EMPACT's external dimension through cooperation with non-EU countries and global initiatives.

Significant Funding for EMPACT

The Commission Services are committed to providing financial support to EMPACT activities. In addition to the preservation of the dedicated envelope in Europol's budget, the Commission Services are considering earmarking an envelope through a new flexible instrument under the Internal Security Fund. This funding aims to enable stakeholders to develop complex operations, enhance coordination and cooperation among law enforcement agencies, and Align activities with the strategic goals of EMPACT.

Modernizing and Upgrading the EMPACT Methodology

Recognizing the complexity and technocratic nature of the current four-step EMPACT methodology, the Commission Services propose modernizing and upgrading it. The proposed sequence includes observing, detecting, and orienting; designing and planning together; fighting, preventing, and disrupting; and holding, learning, and repeating. This sequence, complemented by guiding principles, aims to simplify the methodology and enhance the fight against organized crime.

Extending the Use of the EMPACT Matrix

To ensure alignment, consistency, and coherence in addressing all EU crime priorities, the Commission Services propose extending the use of the EMPACT matrix. This approach involves developing operational action plans for each priority area, contributing to cross-sectorial knowledge and collaboration. The multiannual strategic plan for the next EMPACT cycle already utilizes this matrix approach.

Expanding the External Dimension of EMPACT

Cooperation with non-EU countries and global initiatives is crucial for an effective response to organized crime. The Commission Services, in collaboration with the EEAS, promote the increased association of non-EU countries with EMPACT activities and the development of the EMPACT methodology outside the EU. This expansion includes local threat assessments, regional cooperation, and collaboration with international programs such as EL PAcCTO and EuroMed's justice and police programs.

Conclusion

EMPACT stands as a flagship platform in the fight against serious and organized crime. It brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, judicial entities, administrative bodies, and EU agencies, to address EU crime priorities. The Commission Services play a significant role in supporting EMPACT through policy development, coordination, financial support, and independent evaluations. With the integration of EMPACT into EU strategies and the reinforcement of its methodology, funding, and external dimension, a strengthened partnership is forged to combat organized crime effectively.