Europol and the European Labour Authority (ELA) have strengthened their cooperation against labour exploitation by formalising an existing working relationship. The new Working Arrangement sets out a framework for how the two EU agencies will work together. It is designed to support the exchange of strategic information to improve collaboration in areas where they share common interests. Europol said the arrangement follows cooperation that has already shown its value through joint involvement in EMPACT activities. EMPACT is a European multi-agency platform used to coordinate action against serious international crime. According to Europol, the Working Arrangement aims to go beyond cooperation already in place by creating a clearer structure for collaboration and by enabling the development of further areas of cooperation. The initiative reflects that labour exploitation is addressed through operational and information-sharing approaches rather than being treated only as a labour law matter. The announcement comes from Europol’s media and newsroom release.