European Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner has declined to provide direct answers to a parliamentary question on the use of covert human intelligence sources (CHIS) in Europol-supported operations, instead referring the matter to the agency itself. In a written reply published on 27 April 2026, Brunner stated that the Commission had asked Europol to respond to the questions posed by MEP Özlem Demirel (The Left, Germany) and that the agency's reply would be transmitted 'as soon as possible'. The answer offers no concrete data, definitions, or timelines, leaving MEPs and the public without immediate clarity on the scale and scope of informant deployment.
The question, submitted on 17 March 2026, sought detailed information on the use of informants in joint investigation teams (JITs) and comparable operations supported by Europol. Demirel asked for annual figures for 2023, 2024, and 2025; the Member States and third countries involved; and the definition of 'informant' or 'CHIS' used in Europol's funding guidelines. The Commissioner's non-answer effectively postpones any parliamentary scrutiny until Europol provides its own response, which has no set deadline.
Policy orientation and expected follow-up
Brunner's reply signals a cautious approach to transparency on operational matters, prioritising agency autonomy over direct Commission accountability. By delegating to Europol, the Commission avoids taking a position on potentially sensitive issues such as the involvement of third countries like those in the Eastern Partnership or the eligibility of CHIS-related costs. The response is purely procedural, containing no policy direction or ambition. The ball now lies with Europol, which is expected to issue its own written reply in the coming weeks. Depending on the level of detail provided, the exchange could reignite debates on oversight of Europol's operational activities and the balance between law enforcement effectiveness and fundamental rights protections.
Impact on stakeholders
The deferral affects several stakeholders. For MEPs and civil liberties advocates, it delays access to information needed to assess the proportionality and legality of informant use, potentially weakening parliamentary oversight. Europol gains operational breathing room but may face increased pressure to justify its practices. Member States, which manage CHIS domestically, benefit from continued discretion over their involvement. Third countries cooperating with Europol, notably Eastern Partnership states, remain in a legal grey area regarding the standards applied to informant handling.
← Atlas › News › Home affairs & Migration