CEPOL

CEPOL is the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training. It is responsible for developing, coordinating and delivering training for law enforcement officials across the EU and beyond. Originally established in 2001 as a network of national police academies, it has operated since 1 July 2016 under an enhanced mandate as an EU agency with expanded responsibilities.

In line with Regulation (EU) 2015/2219, CEPOL's training portfolio serves a broad range of law enforcement professionals—not only police officers, but also border guards, customs officers, judicial authorities, migration and asylum officials, financial investigators and personnel from anti-corruption bodies. This inclusive scope ensures a multidisciplinary approach to addressing current security challenges.

CEPOL’s activities encompass onsite and online training, hybrid programmes, staff exchange schemes and research-based knowledge dissemination. Training is guided by strategic assessments and operational needs analyses to ensure alignment with EU security priorities such as serious organised crime, terrorism, cyber threats and irregular migration.

The agency operates through a pan-European network of national training institutes, CEPOL National Units, and partners with EU institutions, international bodies and third countries. This networked model enhances collective capacity to fight cross-border crime and fosters a shared European law enforcement culture.

CEPOL’s mission is to make Europe safer through learning. Its vision is to be the EU hub for law enforcement training in Europe—anchored in quality, innovation, and strategic relevance in a rapidly evolving security landscape. Today, CEPOL engages with over 55 countries, fostering international cooperation in the field of internal security.