Request by Europol for the initiation of a criminal investigation
Article 6
1. In specific cases where Europol considers that a criminal investigation should be initiated into a crime falling within the scope of its objectives, it shall request the competent authorities of the Member States concerned via the national units to initiate, conduct or coordinate such a criminal investigation. 2. The national units shall inform Europol without delay of the decision of the competent authorities of the Member States concerning any request made pursuant to paragraph 1. 3. If the competent authorities of a Member State decide not to accede to a request made by Europol pursuant to paragraph 1, they shall inform Europol of the reasons for their decision without undue delay, preferably within one month of receipt of the request. However, the reasons may be withheld if providing them would: (a) be contrary to the essential interests of the security of the Member State concerned; or (b) jeopardise the success of an ongoing investigation or the safety of an individual. 4. Europol shall immediately inform Eurojust of any request made pursuant to paragraph 1 and of any decision of a competent authority of a Member State pursuant to paragraph 2.