PRESS RELEASE BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Maltese parliamentary delegation attends 16th meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group on Europol in Warsaw

A Maltese parliamentary delegation, composed of Carmelo Abela and Ivan Bartolo participated in the 16^th meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group on Europol (JPSG) in Warsaw, Poland. The JPSG plays a crucial role in politically monitoring the activities of Europol, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, ensuring that its mission is fulfilled while safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.

Established under Article 51 of Regulation (EU) 2016/794, the JPSG operates under guidelines set by the Conference of Speakers of the EU Parliaments. The Group's functioning is governed by rules of procedure adopted in Sofia in 2018 and subsequently amended. The JPSG meets twice a year, with the first meeting held in the member state holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the second meeting taking place at the European Parliament in Brussels.

The JPSG is co-chaired by the parliament of the member state holding the Council Presidency and the European Parliament. This structure ensures a balanced and collaborative approach to scrutinising Europol's activities, particularly in areas such as law enforcement cooperation and the protection of fundamental rights.

During the meeting in Warsaw, the Maltese delegation actively engaged in discussions on Europol's ongoing initiatives and their impact on EU citizens. Carmelo Abela and Ivan Bartolo contributed Malta's perspectives on key issues, including the agency's role in addressing cross-border crime, cybersecurity threats, and the protection of individual rights in the context of law enforcement operations.

The participation of the Maltese delegation underscored Malta's commitment to strengthening EU-wide cooperation in law enforcement and ensuring that Europol's activities align with the principles of democracy, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights.