Europol entered a transition phase on 2 May following the departure of Executive Director Catherine De Bolle, who stepped down on 1 May 2026 after eight years in office.

The process to appoint a new Executive Director is now underway. Applications closed on 31 March 2026, and a selection committee set up by the Management Board will conduct interviews and an assessment centre before the Board submits a shortlist of at least three candidates. Under the Europol Regulation, the European Parliament will be consulted, while the final appointment decision will be made by the Council. The selection procedure is expected to continue for several months, with the appointment of a new Executive Director anticipated by the end of 2026. The successful candidate will be appointed for a four-year term, renewable once.

In the meantime, interim arrangements introduced on 2 May will remain in place until the new Executive Director takes office. Following a decision of the Europol Management Board, Jürgen Ebner has assumed the role of Acting Executive Director during the transition period.