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Europol-Denmark Agreement Bolsters Security despite Referendum | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Director of Europol Rob Wainwright. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen


Brussels- Joint security measures between Denmark and European Union institutions have been challenged over the past period. Subsequently, EU parliamentarians endorsed a proposal for joint action between Denmark and the Europol.

Denmark lost its right to a full membership in Europol, the EU’s law enforcement agency, after a majority of Danes refused to join EU justice and home affairs policies in a referendum in December 2015.

However, consultations between Denmark and the relevant European institutions have succeeded in reaching an agreement that will allow for continued cooperation and data exchange between security agencies.

Nevertheless the agreement is limited to the stipulations of the 2015 referendum.

“This agreement has contributed positively to the continuation of Denmark’s future cooperation with Europol,” said conservative European parliament member Andre Vistisen.

“This is important to ensure security and stability for citizens, whether in Denmark or the rest of the EU in general,” Vistisen added.

The EU parliament expressed deep support for the agreement.

This is in line with what the conservative bloc labeled as flexibility of integration and joint action, which will aid in addressing security concerns without forcing an EU state of signing up for an EU agency or institution—respecting the people’s choice (referendum), he said.

EU member Denmark voted to keep its opt-out from the bloc’s justice rules in a referendum last year, meaning the country will need a separate agreement to access Europol information when new EU regulations come into force in May next year.
In December, Europol issued warnings on terror plots threatening Western Europe safety.

According to a report issued by the agency’s headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, terror group ISIS intends to employ the same tactics it uses in the Middle East when staging attacks in Europe.

Expected methods include bomb-laden cars frequently used in Syria and Iraq and attacking soft targets.