EU Statement on UNTOC COP13 resolution on the Effective Implementation of the Convention, 23 October 2026

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its Member States. 

We thank the United States for their efforts in advancing this important initiative, as well as all delegations for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiations and their willingness to work towards a common outcome.

More than two decades after its entry into force, the Palermo Convention remains a cornerstone of international cooperation against transnational organized crime. 

As criminal threats continue to evolve, our collective efforts must increasingly focus on effective implementation, tangible results and the efficient use of available resources.

Against this background, we must ensure that the Convention and its Protocols are not only widely supported, but effectively implemented and capable of delivering concrete results.

The European Union and its Member States attach particular importance to strengthening the effectiveness of the Conference and its subsidiary bodies.  More focused and inclusive discussions, streamlined working methods, better coordination and meaningful follow-up to agreed commitments can contribute to making our collective efforts more effective, while ensuring the inclusive and intergovernmental character of our work.

We also reiterate our strong support for the Review Mechanism as an essential instrument for assessing implementation, identifying challenges, sharing good practices and promoting international cooperation. Its slow progress and persistent funding difficulties remain a source of concern. 

Ensuring adequate, predictable and sustainable resources, alongside greater efficiency in its functioning, is essential if the Mechanism is to fulfil its mandate and deliver meaningful results within a reasonable timeframe

Mr. President,

We see today’s resolution as an important contribution to our shared efforts to strengthen the implementation of the Palermo Convention and improve the effectiveness of the institutional framework supporting it.

The adoption of this resolution is not an end in itself. Its success will ultimately depend on our collective ability to translate its provisions into practical improvements and tangible results.

The European Union and its Member States remain fully committed to working constructively with all States Parties and UNODC to advance these objectives and ensure that the Palermo Convention continues to provide an effective framework for our common response to transnational organized crime.

Mr. President.

As this is the last time I take the floor in this session, let me add a few more general remarks.

The European Union and its Member States would like to express their sincere and warm appreciation to the President of the Conference of the Parties, H.E. Gabriel Orellana Zabalza, for his excellent leadership, clear vision and steadfast stewardship of our work throughout this session. Under his guidance, proceedings were conducted in a spirit of openness, inclusiveness and cooperation, which greatly contributed to the constructive atmosphere that has prevailed during the week. 

We also wish to convey our deep thanks to the Chair of the Committee of the Whole, H.E. Delphine Hournau-Pouëzat, for the remarkable patience, skill and dedication with which she guided the negotiations on the six resolutions. Her calm, balanced and highly capable handling of our deliberations, and her ability to navigate complex discussions with both tact and determination, were instrumental in bringing our work to a successful conclusion. 

We further thank all members of the Bureau for their valuable contribution and support, as well as the Secretariat for its excellent support and professionalism throughout the session. 

Finally, we wish to extend our gratitude to all those whose indispensable efforts behind the scenes made this week possible, including the interpreters, technicians and cleaning personnel.

Mr President

Throughout this session, the European Union and its Member States engaged actively, constructively and in a spirit of compromise in all discussions. We worked consistently to support balanced, forward-looking and actionable outcomes, and we lent our support to all six resolutions under consideration. 

We regret that not all resolutions could be adopted by consensus as this does not reflect the shared commitment of all delegations to advancing our common objectives in a cooperative and pragmatic manner and look forward to joining forces for their implementation.

Thank you.