ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / RankWire.AI / – The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to stronger international cooperation against organized crime and terrorism after a major UN gathering in Abu Dhabi. The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice ran from Sept. 26 to Oct. 1. Delegates adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration during the meeting. The declaration sets priorities for global crime prevention and criminal justice work through 2031. EU officials said effective responses require stronger cooperation across borders and justice systems.
The congress addressed organized crime, migrant smuggling, environmental offenses, terrorism and the growing use of technology in criminal activity. Delegates also discussed access to justice, alternatives to detention and protections for children. The European Union stressed the importance of human rights and the rule of law in criminal justice. It also highlighted legal aid, victim protection and fair-trial guarantees. Officials called for stronger international coordination as criminal networks increasingly operate across several jurisdictions and use digital tools.
Ambassador Carl Hallergård presented EU priorities during the congress’s high-level segment. European Commission officials Olivier Onidi and Tommaso Chiamparini also joined thematic discussions and related events. The EU used the meeting to outline its Pledge4Justice commitments under the Abu Dhabi Declaration. Those commitments include initiatives called Themis and Intercept. The projects focus on criminal justice cooperation and efforts against trafficking. EU officials said the programs will support implementation of the declaration through practical assistance and international partnerships.
Judicial cooperation strengthens during congress
The United Arab Emirates and Eurojust also expanded cooperation during the Abu Dhabi congress. UAE Justice Minister Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi and Eurojust President Michael Schmid signed a Working Arrangement on Sept. 28. The framework supports strategic cooperation and information exchange with competent UAE authorities. Eurojust said the arrangement became its 14th of this type with a country outside the European Union. The agreement focuses on serious cross-border crime and closer links between judicial authorities handling international cases.
Eurojust said the arrangement supports structured cooperation and access to relevant operational tools. It does not create a legal basis for exchanging operational personal data. Technology also featured prominently in congress discussions. EU officials addressed artificial intelligence, digital evidence and encrypted communications. They said criminal justice systems need clear legal safeguards and meaningful human oversight when using new technology. Discussions also covered secure information exchange between authorities and the handling of electronic evidence across national borders.
Abu Dhabi Declaration guides follow-up work
In its closing statement, the European Union called for stronger institutions and more effective cross-border cooperation. It also stressed the need to protect victims and ensure access to independent and accountable justice systems. EU officials supported better data collection to understand criminal markets and measure the impact of prevention programs. The statement also linked crime prevention with education, social inclusion and support for young people. It encouraged closer cooperation between public authorities, researchers, justice professionals and civil society groups.
The Abu Dhabi Declaration now provides the framework for follow-up work from the 2026 congress. The European Union said its technical assistance, partnerships and Pledge4Justice initiatives will contribute to that process. The congress brought together governments, justice officials, researchers, civil society groups and young participants. Discussions focused on crime prevention, criminal justice and cooperation against transnational threats. EU officials said continued international coordination remains central to efforts against organized crime, terrorism and other serious offenses that cross national borders.