Fundamental rights at the heart of policing: Experts debate the real impact of fundamental rights in today’s challenging world

Fundamental rights at the heart of policing: Experts debate the real impact of fundamental rights in today’s challenging world

Published March 04, 2025

On 20–21 February 2025, over 130 experts from 25 EU Member States and 11 non-EU countries gathered at Europol headquarters for the inaugural conference on “Fundamental Rights at the Heart of Policing.” Organized by Europol’s Fundamental Rights Officer, the event brought together representatives from law enforcement authorities, academia, and non-governmental organizations to debate the real impact of fundamental rights in today’s challenging world.

Among the participants was Dr. Brian Said, Senior Investigating Officer representing the Office of the Ombudsman in Malta. The conference also featured key contributions from representatives of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), the EU Border and Coast Guard (Frontex), and the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), which enriched the exchange of perspectives and experiences.

Throughout the two-day event, experts addressed the critical role of fundamental rights in policing. Discussions centered on current developments and challenges, examining the root causes of potential rights violations and exploring collaborative strategies to embed fundamental rights within law enforcement standards and practices. Participants stressed that respecting fundamental rights is essential for ensuring compliance with the rule of law, enhancing accountability, and maintaining ethical standards in policing.

Key topics included combating racism, bridging cultural divides, and countering social fragmentation. The conference highlighted the importance of continuous training, stakeholder engagement, and improved operational processes to safeguard privacy and data protection, particularly in the face of rapid technological advancements that demand innovative methods and policies.

The conference concluded with remarks by Dirk Allaerts, Europol’s Fundamental Rights Officer, who was appointed in 2024. Mr. Allaerts emphasized his commitment to supporting the Agency in ensuring that all its activities respect fundamental rights, with a special focus on assessing how new technologies impact these rights.

This pioneering conference marks an important step forward in reinforcing the centrality of fundamental rights within the realm of policing, and it sets a robust framework for ongoing dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders involved in law enforcement across Europe and beyond.