THE ROLE OF EUROPOL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE MIGRANT SMUGGLING AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

This article examines the functions of Europol according to the recent Europol Regulation on the prevention and fight against migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Specifically, the creation of intelligence by Europol, as well as the participation of this agency in the Joint Investigation Teams is analysed. This paper also looks into the existing cooperation mechanisms that Europol has with other agencies and with certain European institutions in order to prevent this type of crimes. Finally, this article highlights the challenges that Europol has to face because of the widespread use of social networks on the Internet by organized crime groups. This analysis seeks to determine whether the role of Europol has added value to the actions of the Member States in the field of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.