Source: Eurojust
Environmental crime remains one of the most under-prioritised yet damaging threats in the Western Balkan region. Illegal logging, unregulated mining, hazardous waste trafficking, and other illicit environmental activities continue to endanger public health, biodiversity, and regional economies.
The conference brought together prosecutors, judges, law enforcement officials, customs authorities, and civil society experts from both the EU and the Western Balkans. Participants shared insights into successful cross-border investigations, discussed recent legislative developments, and explored best practices for coordinated action against environmental crime. Sessions involved case studies on waste trafficking investigations, as well as practical discussions on the roles of Eurojust and the WBCJ Project, Europol, CEPOL, ENPE and OLAF.
On the second day of the conference, a dedicated field visit to the Qafë Thanë–Kjafasan border station took place, offering participants a first-hand look at operational cross-border cooperation in action.
By convening key stakeholders from the Western Balkans and the EU, the conference facilitated collaboration, enabled the sharing of expertise and best practices, and strengthened our shared commitment to combating environmental crime through cross-border cooperation.