What changed

PR_NLE-AP_Agreement

P10_TA(2026)0072

Symbols for procedures

EU-Ecuador Agreement: cooperation between Europol and the Ecuadorian authorities competent for combatting serious crime and terrorism

* Consultation procedure

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

*** Consent procedure

PE781.452

***I Ordinary legislative procedure (first reading)

European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2026 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and the Republic of Ecuador, of the other part, on cooperation between the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and the Ecuadorian authorities competent for combating serious crime and terrorism (10965/2025 – C10-0219/2025 – 2025/0120(NLE))

***II Ordinary legislative procedure (second reading)

***III Ordinary legislative procedure (third reading)

(The type of procedure depends on the legal basis proposed by the draft act.)

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and the Republic of Ecuador, of the other part, on cooperation between the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and the Ecuadorian authorities competent for combating serious crime and terrorism

(10965/2025 – C100219/2025 – 2025/0120(NLE))

(Consent)

2. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Ecuador.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Transnational organized crime and terrorism are inherently cross-border phenomena. Criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling and money laundering often operate globally, leveraging legal and jurisdictional gaps to evade detection and prosecution. In this context Latin America being the main cocaine cultivation and production region plays a special role. Its ports are often starting points for onward transport to the European Union. It is also a source of people trafficked for sexual and, to a lesser extent, labour exploitation, and of irregular migrants smuggled by air to the EU.

Increased operational cooperation and the sharing of relevant information between Europol and Ecuador would be important in countering serious offences in many crime areas of common interest and thus ensuring better safety for our societies. This cooperation between Europol and Ecuador already exists in the form of a working arrangement signed in October 2023. There has also been the deployment of an Ecuadorian liaison officer to Europol. However, without the possibility of exchange of personal data, it is not an effective tool in fighting transnational criminal networks. This type of increased operational cooperation and the sharing of relevant information between Europol and Ecuador is important in countering serious offences in many crime areas of common interest.

The Agreement between the EU and Ecuador on cooperation between Europol and the Ecuadorian authorities will provide this essential element for our law enforcement authorities, It will allow for personal data exchange which is crucial, when dealing with criminals. But it will also provide general data protection principles, categories of personal data, the rules for automated processing and onward transfers of personal data. At the same time it will also contain safeguards such as on the right of access, and right to rectification, erasure and restriction. EDPS concluded positively that the agreement contains the adequate safeguards with respect to the protection of privacy and fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals.

Cooperation between Europol and Ecuadorian competent authorities is indispensable in addressing serious crime and terrorism. By facilitating intelligence sharing, strengthening institutional capacity, harmonizing legal frameworks, and enabling coordinated operations, this partnership enhances security in Europe, Latin America, and beyond. Such cooperation underscores the principle that in a globalized world, collective action is not just beneficial—it is essential to maintaining peace and stability.

ANNEX: DECLARATION OF INPUT

The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not include in his report input from interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies, to be listed in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title

Conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and the Republic of Ecuador, of the other part, on cooperation between the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and the Ecuadorian authorities competent for combatting serious crime and terrorism

References

10965/2025 – C10-0219/2025 – 2025/0120(NLE)

Date of consultation or request for consent

26.9.2025

Committee(s) responsible

Date announced in plenary

LIBE

20.10.2025

Rapporteurs

Date appointed

Matthieu Valet

23.2.2026

Previous rapporteurs

Nikola Bartůšek

Discussed in committee

26.1.2026

Date adopted

23.2.2026

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

65

3

0

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Key to symbols: