The Future of Digitalisation in EU Law Enforcement: Introduction to the Second Part

This introduction to the second part of the Special Section on the future of digitalisation in EU law enforcement examines how emerging technologies are reshaping legal frameworks, institutional roles, and fundamental rights protection. It highlights the three key trends underpinning the Special Section: the expansion of cross-border data sharing, the increasing involvement of private actors in law enforcement functions, and the growing use of algorithmic and AI-driven tools. Through examples such as Passenger Name Record (PNR) data processing, the EU anti-money laundering regime, and the Digital Services Act, the text illustrates how these developments enhance surveillance capacities while raising significant concerns regarding privacy, data protection, and the rule of law. The introduction further explores the challenges posed by automated decision-making systems for procedural rights, particularly in light of the EU AI Act. Overall, the contribution underscores the tension between security objectives and fundamental rights, calling for stronger safeguards, clearer legal frameworks, and greater accountability in the evolving landscape of EU digitalised law enforcement.