Brussels, Belgium. Tackling organised crime will be a central priority of Cyprus’s EU Council presidency, Justice Minister Costas Fitiris told the European Parliament on Tuesday. He warned that criminal networks are evolving at an unprecedented pace.
Priorities presented to Parliament
Speaking to the European Parliament’s justice committee, Fitiris said Cyprus was assuming the role “with pride but also a high sense of responsibility” at a time of growing social instability across Europe.
He said organised crime “is evolving at an unprecedented pace and requires an equally dynamic response,” calling for “a comprehensive, multi sectoral strategy capable of adapting to the changing nature of criminal networks”.
Cooperation and legislative action
Fitiris said the presidency would push for concrete action through operational cooperation and legislative initiatives, while strengthening collaboration with third countries and the private sector.
“Without strong international and cross sectoral cooperation, we cannot be one step ahead of criminal networks,” he said.
Asset recovery and confiscation
A key focus will be the recovery and confiscation of illicit assets, which Fitiris described as one of the most effective tools against organised crime.
“The most effective way to combat organised crime is to target the financial pillars of criminal networks,” he said, adding that asset recovery measures strike “at the seeds of crime”.
He warned that criminal groups are increasingly infiltrating the legitimate economy and using sophisticated money laundering methods, describing the EU’s asset recovery and confiscation directive as “a powerful tool in the hands of authorities”.
He said its progression into national law must be completed by November 2026.
Europol mandate review
Fitiris underlined the importance of Europol, saying the Cyprus presidency would work to ensure the upcoming review of the agency’s mandate is “well documented and responds to the real operational needs of member states”.
What do you think should be the EU’s most immediate priority in strengthening action against organised crime?