EU Investigates Europol's Hiring Process

BRUSSELS — The European Union's police agency, Europol, is under scrutiny as prosecutors investigate the appointment of Deputy Director Andrei Lințǎ, who allegedly fell short of the required 15 years of professional experience mandated by EU law. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that senior management was informed of Lințǎ's inexperience prior to his appointment in August, raising concerns about the integrity of the recruitment process. Documents obtained by POLITICO indicate that a human resources official alerted Europol's Executive Director Catherine de Bolle and the management board in March 2023 regarding Lințǎ's qualifications. Following this, an employee lodged a complaint with the EU Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), prompting further investigation into the matter. The EU Ombudsman is also examining the situation under its mandate to address maladministration within EU institutions. As Europol prepares to expand its workforce and enhance its operational capabilities, the ongoing investigations could impact its future. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed intentions for police to collaborate more effectively across borders, which may necessitate a reevaluation of Europol's leadership and recruitment standards. In response to the allegations, Europol maintains that the date of Lințǎ's university diploma is irrelevant, asserting that a Romanian police-issued certificate suffices to meet the experience requirement. A spokesperson for Europol stated that the agency has not been contacted by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) and sees no reason to revisit the recruitment process.