If data is found, how long does a deletion request typically take to resolve?

By Dr. Anatoliy Yarovyi — Senior Partner

Updated: 26 Oct 2026

Europol must respond to deletion requests within three months under Article 37 of the Europol Regulation, but complex cases involving multiple contributing member states can take longer to resolve in practice. Europol cannot unilaterally delete data supplied by national authorities — it must consult the originating member state, which may object to deletion if it considers the data operationally relevant. Where deletion is refused, you may escalate to the EDPS, whose review process adds further time. Successful deletions require demonstrating that retention violates data accuracy, necessity, or proportionality requirements.