EPP POLICE SUMMIT

On September 3rd, MEP Javier Zarzalejos took part in the EPP Police Summit, a meeting that brought together prominent European leaders such as Manfred Weber, President of the European People’s Party, Catherine De Bolle, Executive Director of Europol, Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Immigration, and Dolors Montserrat, Secretary General of the European People’s Party. The event was also attended by various European police unions.

In his address, Zarzalejos, in his capacity as Chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), expressed his gratitude for the involvement of union representatives and framed his message under the motto: “Protecting those who protect us.” The MEP advocated the proposal to recognize police work as a high-risk profession at the European level, a measure he considered urgent given the increase in assaults suffered by officers in the line of duty. He also defended the need to expand Europol’s mandate and to restore respect for police authority. “Defending the police is defending the rule of law,” he stressed.

Zarzalejos also emphasized the importance of strengthening the prosecution of crimes through a common European strategy, noting that “if crimes do not recognize borders, their prosecution should not either.” In this regard, he highlighted that Europe is increasingly facing cross-border crimes that require cooperation, coordination, and a joint framework of action to guarantee citizens’ security.

Through his participation in the EPP Police Summit, Javier Zarzalejos reaffirmed the European Parliament’s commitment to promoting policies that enhance security, foster cooperation among Member States, and acknowledge the essential role of police forces in protecting democracy and the rights of Europeans.