Lithuanian deputy police commissioner elected Europol management board chair

Lithuania’s deputy police commissioner general Marius Draudvila has been elected chair of Europol’s management board, the Police Department announced on Thursday.

According to the department, this is the first time in history that a Lithuanian representative has been chosen to lead the Europol management board. Draudvila had previously served as Lithuania’s representative on the board.

The chair and vice-chair of the management board are selected from three EU member states that jointly prepare the 18-month Council of the EU work programme. They are appointed for the entire duration of the programme’s implementation.

Draudvila was elected from among representatives of Ireland, Lithuania, and Greece—the current trio holding the rotating EU Council presidency.

In comments cited by the Police Department, Draudvila emphasised the importance of joint engagement and responsibility among member states in addressing evolving threats.

“Only by acting together can we ensure an effective response to rapidly changing security threats—from organised crime and cyberattacks to hybrid threats and challenges posed by technological progress. Cooperation, trust, and united action remain our greatest strengths,” he said.

The Europol management board is the main strategic governance body of the EU’s law enforcement agency. It sets the agency’s priorities and direction, approves its budget and work programmes, oversees their implementation, and ensures Europol’s effective operation.

The chair coordinates the board’s work, leads its meetings, and represents it in relations with EU institutions and member states.