Denmark, EU Agree on Arrangements to Mitigate Country's Exit From Europol

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – There is a necessity to introduce operational arrangements to soften negative consequences of Denmark's vote to leave the European police agency Europol, Danish Prime Minister Lars Rasmussen, European Council head Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Thursday in a declaration.

"Following the referendum in Denmark on 3 December 2015, we agree on the need for operational arrangements, minimising the negative impact of Denmark's departure from Europol on 1 May 2017, for the mutual benefit of Denmark and the rest of the European Union in the combatting of cross-border serious and organised crime and international terrorism," the declaration, published by the European Council, said.

The declaration added that the arrangements should be in place by Denmark's departure from Europol on May 1, 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter.

In December 2015, Denmark held a referendum on introducing new laws needed for the country to remain in Europol. About 53 percent of Danish voters rejected the laws.