Overview

• The European Parliament's Committee on Petitions is conducting a field mission to Barbate, Algeciras, and Seville to address escalating drug trafficking and violence against law enforcement.
• The mission follows the February 2024 killing of two Guardia Civil officers by a narco-boat in Barbate and a petition by the Spanish Police Confederation (CEP) highlighting inadequate protections for officers.
• Led by Bogdan Rzońca, the delegation includes MEPs from multiple countries and aims to evaluate working conditions in high-crime areas through meetings with local officials, victim families, and law enforcement representatives.
• One key objective is to assess the feasibility of an EU directive to classify police work as a profession of risk and establish minimum safety and equipment standards across member states.
• Findings from the mission will guide potential legislative actions to combat cross-border organized crime and enhance coordination between EU bodies like Europol and Frontex.