Formation of Europol

Date: October 1, 1998 • Location: Statenkwartier, Netherlands

Europol, the EU's law enforcement agency, was formed with the ratification of the Europol Convention by all member states.

Europol, officially the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, is the law enforcement agency of the European Union (EU). Established in 1998, it is based in The Hague, Netherlands, and serves as the central hub for coordinating criminal intelligence and supporting the EU's member states in their efforts to combat various forms of serious and organized crime, as well as terrorism.