On January 1, 2013, the EU will open a new centre in The Hague to protect Europeans from cyber-crime.
It will be set up at the Europol's base in Eisenhowerlaan, and will co-ordinate EU-wide investigations and solutions. It follows long-term plans for cross-European co-operation on policing matters. The European Commission and the European law enforcement agency announced in 2010 that The Hague would be the best site for a cyber-crime centre.
The European Cybercrime Centre adds to The Hague’s reputation as the International City of Peace and Justice. The new site will be an significant boost for The Hague Security Delta, the national security group in The Hague region.
The centre will have an important role to play in the fight against online criminal activity.
According to the EU, cyber-crime causes more harm than the worldwide trade in soft drugs, cocaine and heroin together. It is estimated that over 1 million people a day fall victim to online fraud.