The European Commission proposed, on 28 March, to establish a European cyber crime centre to help member states detect illegal online activities, starting with fraudulent banking transactions. The objective is to guarantee an open, free and safe internet in the European Union.

The proposal has to be adopted by the management body of Europol, the European Police Office. The centre will be set up at Europol (the Netherlands), where it is expected to become operational in January 2013, employ up to 50 experts and have an annual budget of €3.6 million.

“Criminals are getting more and more competent,” commented Home Affairs Commissioner Cecilia Malmström. Their illegal activities “disrupt the lives of consumers and Europeans” shopping online or participating in social networks.