Brussels, 18 June 2026

The Phygital-OC project hosted its third Exchange Event in June 2026, bringing together representatives from EU-funded projects, the European Commission, law enforcement agencies, international organisations and civil society to explore practical solutions to transnational organised crime and strengthen cooperation across Europe.

Held in person at the Belgian Federal Police headquarters in Brussels, the event built on previous discussions focused on emerging threats and challenges. This latest session shifted the conversation towards solutions, examining the tools, technologies, partnerships and operational approaches being developed to strengthen the prevention, investigation and disruption of organised crime.

Participants included representatives from the European Commission, Belgian Federal Police, Belgian Ministry of Interior, State Police of Latvia, Italian Ministry of Interior, Agenfor International, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), REOC Communications and several EU-funded projects, including Breaking the Broker, FIDR Advanced, EUCPN-ENAA and Phygital-OC.

A central theme of the Exchange Event was the growing gap between the speed at which organised crime groups adopt new technologies and the ability of authorities to respond. Participants discussed how artificial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics and open-source intelligence (OSINT) can help law enforcement agencies better understand criminal networks, strengthen intelligence and support investigations, while recognising the need for clear governance frameworks around data sharing, security and the responsible use of emerging technologies.

Participants also highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation across sectors. Organised crime increasingly operates across both digital and physical environments, exploiting opportunities that often sit beyond the reach of any single organisation. Discussions focused on the need to strengthen collaboration between law enforcement agencies, policymakers, researchers, civil society and private-sector partners, while improving the exchange of information, expertise and intelligence. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of civil society, which often possess trusted community relationships, specialist research capabilities and valuable insight into emerging criminal trends.

The discussion concluded with a call for a new Alliance bringing together organisations working across different parts of the organised crime landscape. Participants argued that tackling organised crime requires more than stronger investigations alone. It also requires investment in prevention, greater community resilience and earlier intervention to reduce vulnerability to criminal exploitation and recruitment. By connecting operational, technological and community-based approaches, the proposed Alliance would help create a more coordinated and effective response to transnational organised crime.

“Organised crime has become too complex and interconnected for any single organisation to tackle alone,” said Sergio Bianchi of Agenfor International. “What emerged from this Exchange Event was a shared recognition that we need a stronger ‘Alliance’ across sectors, disciplines and borders. By bringing together law enforcement, researchers, civil society and international partners, we can combine our expertise, share knowledge more effectively and develop solutions that are greater than the sum of their parts.”

The event forms part of the wider Phygital-OC Exchange Event series, which connects organisations working to prevent, detect and dismantle organised crime. By creating a trusted space for dialogue and collaboration, the series is helping to strengthen cooperation across the European landscape and support more effective responses to evolving criminal threats.