New types of crime are a challenge to EU’s criminal justice system, Michael McGrath has warned in his first speech as European Commissioner.
Ireland’s former finance minister has given his first speech in his new job as European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection.
Following the European Parliament’s vote in favour of the new European Commission last week, a new set of European Commissioners – including Michael McGrath – officially took office on 1 December.
This afternoon he has given his first speech in the job at an event in the European Parliament scrutinising the role of the EU’s criminal justice agency, EuroJust.
Irish interpretation was not available for his speech. It was the only one of the EU’s 24 languages which was not available.
Speaking in English, Michael McGrath said EuroJust plays a central role in criminal justice co-operation between EU member states, such as tackling criminal networks.
But he warned that “completely new types of crime” were being invented by international gangs
“New technologies allow criminals to transfer their assets simply and untraceably, as crypto assets. And the internet has enabled completely new types of crime. Cybercrime being just one example. And this is without mentioning the terrorist threat, which continues to remain high today”, he warned.
His promised to support EuroJust with “extra resources” will be welcomed by the agency. It currently has an annual budget of €50 million.
“I am convinced that now is the time to be bold”, said Michael McGrath, “and to see how we can strengthen the fight against crime right along the criminal justice chain.
“After all, crime can only be fought efficiently when all actors along the criminal justice chain work hand in hand.”
Supporting and improving EuroJust will be a priority, he said.
Earlier he met EuroJust’s president, Michael Schmid. The European Commission said that their discussion focused on “Eurojust’s critical role within the European security infrastructure.”
The EU sees EuroJust, along with its police agency, Europol as central to “enhance support for national authorities in combating serious cross-border crime.”