Law enforcement in Europe

The European Parliament will vote today on a resolution on the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to Schengen. After discussing a report on the subject yesterday, MEPs announced the full acceptance of Sofia and Bucharest into the Schengen area.

Greek police (ELAS) took part in the fourth European Money Mule Action (EMMA 4), a large-scale police operation from September 1 to November 30, which saw the participation of law enforcement officials from some 26 countries, including non-European countries, Australia and the US.

Europol officers with expertise in counterterrorism and curbing organized crime are to be sent to locations in Evros, northern Greece, and regional airports in the coming months to intensify inspections on undocumented migrants entering the country from the land border with Turkey and gather information on crime networks, Kathimerini understands.

Turkish and EU officials on Friday held first ever meeting in Brussels to discuss about a probable intelligence sharing agreement with Europol, one of the 72 requirements for visa-free travel for Turkish citizen, according to diplomatic sources.

Turkey and the European Union Commission will launch talks on Nov. 30 for an agreement between Ankara and the European Police Service (Europol) which is one of the benchmarks for visa free travel for Turkish nationals.

By the end of the mandate of the current European Commission, Bulgaria can be admitted to the Schengen Area.

Germany will bar 18 Saudis from entering its territory and Europe's Schengen passport-free zone over their alleged links to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Nov. 19.

The Schengen Information System will contain DNA data and fingerprints in the future, the EU Council said today, quoted by the Bulgarian National Television. 

It is intended to introduce fingerprints not only from the fingers but also from the broad palms when it comes to suspected serious crimes and wanted to participate in terrorism.

The government took a decision to open the Krushari border checkpoint on the border with Romania, part of the bilateral agreement of 2012 for two new border checkpoints, the government press office said, reports Focus News Agency. 

The European Commission's monitoring reports are not a whim by Brussels but a necessary mechanism for Bulgaria, Ognian Zlatev, Head of the EC Representation in Bulgaria, told Focus Radio in connection with Bulgaria's progress under the cooperation and verification mechanism.