The European Parliament and Council have reached a mutual agreement to reinforce Europol’s role in fighting migrant smuggling and human trafficking, of which biometrics data plays a huge part in the EU’s broader strategy.
Europe’s authorities have launched large-scale initiatives to stop entry/exit being a free-for-all in particular for smugglers and traffickers committing these crimes. The focus being on individuals only being allowed to travel if authorities know who they are. This large-scale IT infrastructure supports the commitment to capturing biometrics.
The Commission proposed new legislation to prevent and fight migrant smuggling in 2023, updating Europol’s 20-year old framework. As a priority that President von der Leyen made clear in her 2025 State of the Union address, Europeans must be able to decide who is coming to Europe and under what circumstances, not the smugglers and traffickers.
Europol is set to play a stronger role in helping Member States dismantle smuggling networks and transnational crime. Under new rules, the agency will gain greater resources, stronger information-sharing powers, and an upgraded European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling.
The Centre will have a genuine European scope, bringing in Eurojust, Frontex, and other EU bodies to boost inter-agency cooperation and provide enhanced strategic, operational, and technical support to Member States.
Information exchange between Europol, national authorities, and liaison officers abroad will be stepped up. Member States will also face new obligations to share intelligence with Europol and joint task forces.
Europol’s biometric data capabilities will be expanded with €50 million in extra funding (including €20 million for biometrics) and 50 new staff.
The regulation must still be formally adopted by the European Parliament and Council. Once in force, Europol’s Management Board will define the scope and operations of the Centre Against Migrant Smuggling.
In her 2025 State of the Union, President von der Leyen announced tougher action against smugglers, including a new sanctions regime to freeze assets and restrict movement.
With the EU’s focus on achieving cross-border interoperability, key sessions across Identity Week Europe will address how the new regulatory framework in conjunction with systems like EES and ETIAS will facilitate seamless travel and streamline identity verification at national borders. Experts from FRONTEX, the UK border, UNODC, and other law enforcement bodies will explore the next generation of secure credentials, detailing advancements in both physical document design and the cutting-edge digital security features required to make identity a tamper-proof asset. Crucially, the conference agenda will feature dedicated sessions on anti-counterfeiting, zeroing in on the role of advanced biometrics, verifiable credentials, and digital seals essential for maintaining trust and thwarting fraud in a truly unified European identity ecosystem.
