German Jürgen Abner has been appointed as the next Executive Director of Europol. This appointment places him on a leadership path within the European legislative body, which has increasingly gained power.
Support for Abner in the Council of Europe
EU ambassadors supported Abner in a vote at the Council of Europe on Wednesday, selecting him from among three candidates. This decision came after weeks of negotiations among national capitals.
Abner's Background and Experience
Abner currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director of Europol for governmental affairs and has been acting as the interim Executive Director since May. He is recognized as the right-hand man of Catherine De Bol, the previous director of Europol. In this competition, Abner defeated two other rivals, Alicia Malo, head of international cooperation at the Spanish National Police, and Linus Pernavas, the head of the Lithuanian Anti-Corruption Agency.
Abner began his career in the German police in 1988 and has worked in several operational positions at the Federal Police Office, or BKA. He transferred to Europol in November 2019 and was appointed as the Deputy Executive Director responsible for governmental affairs. His responsibilities include legal and institutional matters, and he has also served as Europol's security coordinator.
Final Stages of Selection
Abner's appointment is not yet finalized. He must appear before the Civil Liberties Committee of the European Parliament, abbreviated as LIBE. This committee can provide a non-binding opinion on his candidacy. The Council of the European Union will then formally appoint the next Executive Director of Europol.
Abner reaches the leadership of Europol at a time when the European Union has proposed significant expansions in the role, resources, and technological capabilities of Europol. Brussels is seeking a stronger response to organized crime, cyberattacks, and hybrid threats.
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