BRUSSELS - The European Police Office (Europol)'s cooperation with third countries will be strengthened to fight terrorism and serious organized crime, the European Union (EU) said in a statement Tuesday.

The Council of the EU has approved a proposal to strengthen Europol's role inside and outside the EU, according to the statement.

Under the proposal, the European Commission will start talks with eight countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey, on the exchange of information with Europol.

When concluded, the agreements will provide a legal basis for the exchange of personal data between Europol and the authorities of eight countries.

EU security commissioner Julian King said: "We need to give Europol the right tools and resources to protect Europeans, including exchange of key information with our neighbors."