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EU Commission stipulates Denmark must remain in Schengen to get new Europol deal
Lucie Rychla
December 8th, 2016
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Danish police will not be allowed to search criminal databases freely but only via a liaison officer
Denmark will have to remain part of the border-free Schengen area that consists of 26 European countries in order to get access to Europol’s databases and services, stipulates the EU Commission in a new deal that has been presented to the Danish Parliament today.
The national police, Rigspolitiet, will not be allowed to directly search Europol’s criminal database, the Europol Information System (EIS), but only via Danish-speaking liaison officers, who will be based at Europol’s headquarters in the Hague 24/7.
Rigspolitiet will not have to explain its search requests, and they will have to be answered as soon as possible, which is an advantage to Norway, which also co-operates with Europol but is not a member of the EU.
READ MORE: Denmark waiting for new deal with Europol
More benefits than for Norway
Unlike Norway, Denmark will be allowed to attend meetings of the Europol management board in the role of an observer. Norway can only participate on an ad-hoc basis.
Furthermore, the Danish police will regularly receive information relevant for the law enforcement agencies from Europol, which is a service Norway does not get.
Socialdemokraterne has already said that its decision concerning the new agreement will depend on the reaction of the national police, which will have to deal with the consequences.
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