Europol and European Labour Authority strengthen cooperation against labour exploitation

On 2 September 2026, Europol and the European Labour Authority (ELA) have signed a Working Arrangement to strengthen their cooperation in tackling labour exploitation, trafficking in human beings, fraud and related forms of serious and organised crime. The Working Arrangement formalises cooperation that has already demonstrated its value through joint involvement in EMPACT activities. It provides a framework for the exchange of strategic information to strengthen collaboration in areas of shared interest, and the development of further areas of cooperation. Jürgen Ebner Europol Acting Executive Director Labour exploitation is not simply a labour law issue - it can be a highly profitable business for organised crime. Criminal networks operate across borders and exploit legitimate business structures to facilitate their activities and conceal criminal profits. By strengthening our cooperation with the European Labour Authority, we can improve the exchange of information, connect intelligence across jurisdictions and better identify the organised crime structures behind labour exploitation. This Working Arrangement will help us turn that intelligence into stronger law enforcement action. Cosmin Boiangiu ELA Executive Director Today’s signature marks the beginning of a more structured phase of cooperation between EUROPOL and ELA. The Authority looks forward to translating this Working Arrangement into meaningful action and practical cooperation that support national authorities and contribute to fair labour mobility and the fight against cross-border labour exploitation and fraud. Labour exploitation remains a significant, yet often under-reported, form of trafficking in human beings. Cases can initially appear as breaches of labour law, meaning that indicators of trafficking and organised crime may go undetected. Closer cooperation between law enforcement and labour authorities is therefore essential to identify potential victims and criminal networks at an earlier stage. Recent operational activities, including the Europol-coordinated GLOBAL CHAIN action days, have demonstrated the value of such a multidisciplinary approach. Through its cooperation with ELA, Europol aims to strengthen links with national labour inspectorates and improve the flow of relevant information on labour exploitation and associated criminal activity. Better access to actionable information will support law enforcement authorities in moving beyond individual labour law infringements to identify the organised crime structures that may be operating behind them.