Tirana, 11 November 2025

Phygital-OC convened its first regional Community of Practice (CoP) event on 12 November in Tirana, bringing together law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities from the Western Balkans and several EU Member States.

The event marked the beginning of a four-part series designed to improve an understanding of the problem posed by Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) operating across both physical and digital environments, and to strengthen international cooperation and collaboration in response.

The CoP discussed how criminal networks and groups in the region are adopting and adapting rapidly to new and emerging digital technologies, highlighting the importance of understanding how physical activities and digital communication now reinforce one another in contemporary criminal operations.

In this context, participants explored the evolving challenges facing law enforcement, including the growing use of online platforms, encrypted communications and digitally manipulated information, emphasising the need for improved investigative capabilities, stronger digital skills and closer cooperation with European partners to address these developments effectively.

The CoP also underlined the importance of early and continuous collaboration between national authorities and their counterparts abroad, stressing that timely information exchange, trusted networks and shared investigative approaches are essential for addressing criminal networks which are increasingly operating across borders and jurisdictions.

The event concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and to continue building practical links between investigators, prosecutors, analysts and cyber specialists. Participants welcomed further CoP events and supported the creation of additional channels for day-to-day communication and knowledge sharing.

This first gathering set a strong foundation for the upcoming regional events and reaffirmed the value of bringing together diverse expertise to better understand and counter evolving forms of organised crime.