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EU spotlights partnership with UNODC at the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

On 1 June, on the margins of the 35th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), the EU hosted a reception entitled “Spotlight on EU–UNODC Cooperation” to highlight the strength and impact of its partnership with UNODC.

EU-UNODC Cooperation Flyer 2_Verso
© EUDEL Vienna

On 1 June, on the margins of the 35th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), the EU hosted a reception entitled “Spotlight on EU–UNODC Cooperation” to highlight the strength and impact of its partnership with UNODC.

Opening the event, EU Ambassador Carl Hallergard stressed the importance of the EU’s close political and operational cooperation with UNODC. He recalled that the EU and its Member States are among UNODC’s largest contributors, providing USD 968 million in voluntary contributions between 2016 and 2024. In addition, the EU is currently supporting 62 projects with UNODC worldwide, worth USD 350 million.

Ambassador Hallergard underlined that EU cooperation with UNODC is rooted in shared values, mutual trust, and a strong commitment to human rights, gender equality and multilateralism. He highlighted key areas of joint work that closely reflect the CCPCJ agenda, including tackling migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings, addressing illicit drug trafficking through stronger border management and alternative development, combating crimes affecting the environment, and responding to cybercrime and the online dimension of organised crime, including child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Speaking on behalf of the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), Ms Maria Rosa Sabbatelli, Head of Unit Global and Transregional Threats and Challenges, described the EU and UNODC as natural partners: UNODC brings technical expertise, global reach and operational networks, while the EU contributes policy support, diplomatic engagement and financial backing. She also stressed the importance of breaking down institutional silos, strengthening cross-border cooperation and innovating together to respond to increasingly complex criminal threats.

A key focus of the event was the announcement of three new EU-supported initiatives with UNODC:

  • Protecting Futures will help prevent the recruitment and exploitation of children by organised crime and terrorist groups. Building on the STRIVE Juvenile programme, it will focus on Brazil and the Philippines.

  • Intercept will serve as a multi-route, multi-commodity anti-trafficking cooperation platform. Building on the Passenger and Cargo Control Programme, SEACOP and other interdiction efforts, it will strengthen capacities to detect and disrupt illicit trafficking through containers, vessels and civil aviation, while enhancing intelligence-sharing and international law enforcement cooperation.

  • Themis is a new global programme addressing the links between organised crime and terrorism across the criminal justice chain. Led by CEPOL and implemented in significant part by UNODC, it will build on the legacy of CRIMJUST and integrate elements of the Connect methodology.

The reception reaffirmed the strategic importance of the EU–UNODC partnership at a time of growing global threats and limited resources. It highlighted the EU’s determination to continue working with UNODC to deliver integrated, innovative and internationally coordinated responses to organised crime, drug trafficking, terrorism, cybercrime and crimes affecting the environment.