Catherine De Bolle is appointed Executive Director of Europol

Prime Minister Charles Michel and Minister of Security and Home Affairs Jan Jambon proudly welcome the appointment of Catherine De Bolle, Commissioner General of the Belgian Federal Police as Europol's Executive Director. She was ranked first in an extensive selection procedure and managed to win the confidence of a majority of EU Member States. Catherine De Bolle will take up her new position no later than 1 May 2018. From her office in The Hague, she will lead a team of 1,100 people within the European police organisation. In the meantime, she will continue her duties as Commissioner General of the Federal Police with the enthusiasm that we all know.

The appointment of Catherine De Bolle as head of Europol is excellent news for our country, as it puts Belgium in the spotlight. It is a sign of respect from the international community for the way in which our police forces have battled persistent threats such as terrorism and organized crime in recent years.

Prime Minister Charles Michel made the following statement:

"Catherine De Bolle is the right person for the job. Her appointment is a recognition of the commitment and professionalism of our police force, which has done a great service to our country in recent years. Europol plays a vital role in keeping our citizens safe. The government believes in closer cooperation between the various police services in Europe. I personally wish her all the best in her new role."

Jan Jambon, Minister of Security and Home Affairs said:

For more than three years, I had the pleasure of working closely with Catherine. The circumstances were sometimes difficult, e.g. in the aftermath of the attacks on 22 March. I got to know Catherine as an excellent police chief but also a valuable partner. As I know her, she will shape Europol in the next few years to make it into an even more effective police organization that makes collaboration its hallmark. I look forward to continuing my collaboration with her in her new role."