Comprehensive strategy for combating organised crime

The European Union proposes international crime prevention measures, encouraging Member States to continue implementation of prevention programmes.

ACT

Council Resolution of 21 December 1998 on the prevention of organised crime with reference to the establishment of a comprehensive strategy for combating it [Official Journal C 408 of 29.12.1998].

SUMMARY

Following the action plan to combat organised crime adopted by the Council on 28 April 1997 and having regard to the results of the seminars on combating crime held in a number of European cities (Saragossa in February 1996, Stockholm in May 1996, Noordwijk in May 1997 and London in June 1998), the Council considers that prevention is just as important as enforcement in providing an effective response to crime. At international level the Council of Europe and the United Nations have adopted recommendations and programmes aimed primarily at developing a comprehensive strategy to combat crime.

Responsibility for the prevention of crime lies not only with the judicial authorities and the police but also with civil society as a whole (schools, non-governmental organisations, social structures, etc.). Measures to combat unemployment and social exclusion and to ensure appropriate education and training could also bring benefits for high-risk groups.

The Council calls on the Member States to:

• continue to implement prevention programmes and training measures;
• develop measures to combat drug use;
• adopt measures (codes of conduct, for example) for professions which are vulnerable to corruption;
• guarantee transparency in awarding public contracts and in public affairs in general (financing of political parties and other organisations);
• raise awareness of the causes, dangers and consequences of the increase in crime;
• create regional or local structures to study questions related to crime;
• inform the other Member States of any new information arising from practical experiences or scientific work. The Council also raises the possibility of institutionalising this exchange through the creation of national contact points;
• define common methods of prevention, in liaison with the Commission and Europol.

The Commission and Europol have formulated a joint report containing proposals for crime prevention. Among other things, the report has decided what measures could be adopted at Community level and what influence prevention measures might have on the enlargement process and relations with non-member countries.

RELATED ACTS

Council Decision of 28 May setting up a European Crime Prevention Network.[Official Journal L 153 of 08.06.2001]

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: The prevention of crime in the European Union - Reflection on common guidelines and proposals for Community financial support [COM(2000) 786 final - Not published in the Official Journal].

The prevention and control of organised crime: a strategy for the beginning of the new millennium [Official Journal C 124 of 03.05.2000]

Last updated: 06.11.2006