The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Europol have signed a Working Arrangement that facilitates the sharing of information and expertise in the fight against fraud and corruption in Europe.

 

Europol today hosted European Investment Bank Vice-President Kris Peeters for the signing of a Working Arrangement between our two organisations. Mr. Peeters was joined at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague by Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle. 

 

The Arrangement provides a legal framework for the exchange of information and expertise relating to serious crime, with the objective of preventing organised crime in multiple areas - including financial crime, terrorism, and cybercrime. Today’s official signing seals the integration and cooperation the two parties, particularly relating to the prevention of fraud and corruption risks arising from the post-pandemic economic recovery. 

 

Money laundering and the financing of terrorist groups, as well as other forms of serious crime, pose serious threats to the security of the EU and its financial infrastructure. Working Arrangements such as this with the European Investment Bank and other European institutions will foster collaboration that protects rights and prevents criminal activities.

 

Working together on common ground

 

Kris Peeters, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, said: “The cooperation with Europol reinforces the EIB capacity to prevent and combat fraud and corruption globally. This agreement takes even more relevance in the context of the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. While such crisis times require extraordinary measures, zero tolerance of fraud and corruption should remain central for multilateral institutions like the EIB. Resources released to support the recovery must reach their intended beneficiaries and not be diverted by fraud and corruption. Thanks to Europol’s extensive network of law enforcement agencies both within and outside of the EU, we will have more tools to ensure that we as a bank identify and prevent any sources of serious crime. Together the two institutions can make a difference in the international fight against fraud and corruption”.

 

Catherine De Bolle, Europol’s Executive Director, said: “Cooperation between EU institutions is important for combatting organised crime, and for keeping communities across Member States safe. This Working Arrangement with the European Investment Bank enhances our abilities to fight crime on all fronts, especially our shared priorities in tackling fraud and corruption. As the information hub for European law enforcement, we are glad to be able to connect the EIB with expertise and resources to identify and fight back against serious crime.”