EU-LAC response to the threat of transnational crime and illicit drugs

The EU and LAC work together to tackle the threat of transnational crime and offences such as human trafficking.

Organised crime is a shared challenge for societies in LAC and the EU. It is a major driver of violence and insecurity; it increases inequality and also undermines trust in public institutions. Transnational organised crime and insecurity not only remain the greatest threats to Latin American and Caribbean countries, but they also have a direct impact on our societies in the EU.

At the EU-CELAC summit in July 2023, leaders agreed to strengthen their partnership on justice and security.

EU-funded programmes and initiatives in the region

Programs

• The Regional Programme against Transnational Organized Crime (EL PACCTO0),
• Copolad III, in support of the implementation of more effective drug policies,
• EUROFRONT, to improve border and migration management to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Latin America,
• The Global Illicit Flows Programme aims to address the many aspects of global illicit trade, with a number of relevant partners in LAC.

Initiatives

• EU support to the Latin American Committee for Internal Security (CLASI), which now has 16 Latin American and Caribbean countries as members.
• Establishing working arrangements between specialised European agencies such as Europol and Eurojust and several key countries in the region to enhance transatlantic cooperation in the fight against crime.
• The formalization of AMERIPOL (American Community of Police Services) through an international treaty that will allow for better planning of joint anti-crime operations, including with

EU-CELAC Cooperation and Coordination Mechanism on Drugs

To respond effectively to the increasing challenges posed by illicit drugs The EU and LAC promote an integrated approach, addressing supply and demand, as well as law enforcement, prevention and harm reduction, with the aim of more effective drug policies that significantly improve people’s lives.

CELAC and the EU reached an agreement on 22 February 2024 joint statement in La Paz, Bolivia, as part of their 25-year-old mechanism for coordination and cooperation on drugsThe multifaceted collective effort to address this global problem is detailed in common objectives for the next 5 years.

These include combating the production and trafficking of illicit drugs, including cocaine and synthetic drugs. The agreement also includes commitments to address the impact of drug trafficking on the security of citizens, its social, health and economic impact on people and communities, and to combat key drivers such as money laundering and arms trafficking.