Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has welcomed the decision by the UK Government to extend its Europol Membership.
Through Europol, member countries cooperate and share information working to combat terrorism and serious organised crime. The decision means that the UK will remain part of Europol, at the very least until the UK formally leaves the European Union.
Mr Nicholson recently met with the European Commissioner for Security Union, Sir Julian King, to discuss the importance of continued cooperation and the work of the European Arrest Warrant in tackling terrorism in Northern Ireland.
Mr Nicholson said:
“The sharing of intelligence through our membership of agencies such as Europol has been of vital importance in the fight against terror, people trafficking and cybercrime.
“Terrorism knows no borders, so it is vital that we continue our close cooperation in tackling terror and serious organised crime with others.
“For instance, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Síochána have played a tremendous collaborative role in recent times, and in many ways the European Arrest Warrant has been at the heart of that success as without it there would be no legal basis for extradition between the UK and the Irish Republic.
“I am heartened by the fact that the Prime Minister has already committed to maintaining the closest possible links with Europe on security issues, whatever is ultimately agreed between the UK Government and the ‘EU27’”.