On 17 February 2026, Europol published a vacancy notice for the position of Executive Director. The current Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle (→eucrim 2/2022, 100), has held the office since 1 May 2018, with her mandate due to end on 1 May 2026.

The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the agency, its strategic development, and the implementation of its mandate in accordance with the Europol Regulation. The position is subject to the supervision of the Management Board and requires accountability to the Management Board, the European Parliament, and the Council.

The recruitment procedure is governed by the Europol Regulation, the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union, the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union, and the Management Board rules.

The Europol Management Board will establish a selection committee to review applications and conduct interviews. Candidates must be nationals of a Member State of the European Union, hold a university degree, and demonstrate at least 20 years of postgraduate professional experience, including a minimum of five years in a senior executive management function.

The recruitment procedure is scheduled to take place during the second, third, and fourth quarters of 2026.