On 9 April 2025, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and the Ministry of Interior of the Arab Republic of Egypt signed a Working Arrangement to support the Member States of the European Union and Egypt in preventing and combating serious crime, including migrant smuggling, trafficking in human beings, drug trafficking and child sexual exploitation.

The Working Arrangement provides for a structured and enhanced exchange of information (non-personal data) on transnational, serious and organised crime. Following the signing of the Working Arrangement, Egypt’s Ministry of Interior will be able to deploy a liaison officer to join Europol’s liaison officer community at its headquarters in The Hague.  

The Working Arrangement does not provide a legal basis for the transfer of personal data. It establishes a general framework for potential cooperation between Egypt and Europol and EU Member States, should there be an urgent and justified need in the fight against organised crime and terrorism.

The Working Arrangement includes strong safeguards to ensure respect for fundamental and human rights, as required by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the Europol Regulation.  

Europol is the only law enforcement agency to host a unique community of over 300 liaison officers from more than 52 countries and international organisations at its premises in The Hague.

Egypt is a key partner in EU’s Southern Neighbourhood and plays an important and active role in many areas of interest to the EU. In December 2017, Egypt was added to Europol’s priority list for the conclusion of a Working Arrangement. Negotiations began that same year, following an agreement between the EU and Egypt on the priority areas for cooperation between Europol and Egypt.  

Europol has remained committed to strengthening operational cooperation through the conclusion of this Working Arrangement. The conclusion of negotiations on the Working Arrangement in September 2024 and its signing this Wednesday reflect the trust and collaboration that have developed between the parties.

Europol’s mission is to support EU Member States in preventing and combating all forms of serious international and organised crime, cybercrime and terrorism. To achieve this, Europol must establish cooperative relations with key security partners such as Egypt, as it promotes a multi-agency and cross-sectoral approach, working closely with established actors within the EU security architecture (all 27 EU Member States) and beyond (third countries).