Portuguese MEP Ana Miguel Pedro (EPP) has asked the European Commission how it is working with Europol and national authorities to combat the online recruitment of minors by criminal networks, warning that current measures may push vulnerable young people into more obscure digital spaces. In a priority written question submitted on 8 May 2026, Pedro highlighted cases in Sweden, Denmark, Spain and Portugal where minors were allegedly recruited via digital platforms, social networks, encrypted applications or online channels to commit violent crimes, including murders and assassination attempts. The question targets the Commission's cooperation with Europol and national judicial and police authorities in tackling radicalisation, violent extremism, sexual abuse, grooming, drug trafficking and criminal recruitment online.
Pedro's question reflects a growing concern among Member States about the exposure of minors to harmful content and recruitment by criminal networks. She argues that measures focusing solely on major platforms risk driving vulnerable young people towards more obscure, anonymous digital spaces, which may be encrypted or associated with the dark web, where early detection, police intervention, cooperation with platforms and criminal investigation are substantially more difficult. The question does not propose specific numerical targets or deadlines but calls for a clearer picture of the Commission's cross-border coordination efforts.
Policy orientation The MEP's question signals a push for stronger EU-level coordination and law enforcement cooperation, particularly in monitoring encrypted and dark-web spaces. It implies that current platform-focused measures may be insufficient and that a more comprehensive approach is needed to prevent the displacement of criminal activity to harder-to-reach online environments. The question also underscores the need for better integration of Europol and national authorities in early detection and intervention.
Expected follow-up The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it shares the MEP's concerns about displacement effects and whether it plans to enhance cooperation with Europol or propose new measures targeting encrypted and anonymous digital spaces. The response will also signal the Commission's stance on balancing child protection with privacy and encryption concerns.
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