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Cyprus Emphasizes Coordinated Action Against Organized Crime

Published January 23, 2026, 16:18
Cyprus Emphasizes Coordinated Action Against Organized Crime

The second and final day of the informal Ministerial Meeting on Internal Affairs and Justice, organized by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU in Nicosia, focused on tackling organized crime. Minister of Justice and Public Order, Kostas Fytiris, stated that the Ministers agreed on the need for European solutions and coordinated action, as well as the unification of forces, speed of response, and utilization of information to address the modern challenges of justice. Issues discussed included the recovery of assets from criminal activities, the protection of cultural heritage, and alternative penalties for minors and young people involved in criminal cases due to drug use. Ministers recognized the need for more effective implementation of the existing legal framework. Mr. Fytiris mentioned that the criminal economy in the EU amounts to 188 billion euros, with main activities including drug and arms trafficking, as well as protection provided by criminal organizations through extortion. In addition, the illegal export of cultural goods amounts to 5 billion euros. The measures discussed included asset forfeiture and public-private partnerships. The Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU has prioritized strengthening the prevention and combating of organized and cross-border crime, as illegal assets are the main incentive for the consolidation and expansion of criminal activities.