Migration, border security highlight top issues at INTERPOL European meeting

The 44th International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) European Regional Conference is being held this week, with participants discussing the challenges posed by record numbers of migrants traveling to Europe.

Following the publication of the joint Europol-INTERPOL report on migrant smuggling networks last week, participants at the conference will hear from different countries, including Austria, Germany, Slovenia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, on their experiences in dealing with the migrant crisis.

The report highlighted certain topics that are essential for global security, including better communication between frontline officers and INTERPOL’s policing information, as well as documenting key routes for migrant smuggling, particularly in the Schengen Area.

“Criminals and terrorists will exploit any loophole, real or perceived, to either smuggle illicit weapons or make money out of the desperation of migrants from around the world into Europe,” INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said. “The borderless nature of Schengen means it is vital that police within the region and beyond communicate in real time and, more importantly, share information on routes and individuals so that patterns can be identified and interrupted. But this is not a regional issue; we are facing a new dimension in global security, one which can only be properly addressed through effective communication between all agencies around the world which are responsible for protecting their citizens.”