Technology meets training: CEPOL joins Frontex Industry Days to shape the future of cross-border crime prevention

In a world where technology evolves faster than crime itself, innovation and training must go hand in hand. From 7–9 October 2025, the Croatian Police Academy in Zagreb hosted the Industry Days on technological solutions for cross-border crime counteraction, a three-day event where cutting-edge technology met the experience of the law enforcement community.

Co-organised by Frontex, CEPOL, and EMPACT, the event gathered participants from EU Member States, neighbouring and partner countries, and industry to explore technological solutions to advance the way cross-border crime is detected, investigated, and prevented.

Over three days, experts from EU and neighbouring and partner countries exchanged ideas on how operational needs, experience, innovation, and capacity building can complement one another to strengthen Europe’s collective security. The second and third days were fully dedicated to industry presentations and live demonstrations, turning the Croatian Police Academy into a real-world technology hub. More than twenty companies and research institutions presented their latest solutions—from AI-powered analytics, drone systems, and biometric devices to spectrometry tools, mobile scanners, and OSINT platforms.

Yet beyond the opportunities that the use of technology may give, discussions also focused on how to ensure that these innovations can be effectively understood, used in full compliance with privacy and data protection, and maintained by law enforcement professionals. That is where training and capacity building, and CEPOL’s contribution in particular, play a crucial role.

For participants, the event was not only a showcase of technology but a platform for connection. It reinforced a simple truth: technology is only as powerful as the people who use it.

As the demonstrations concluded in Zagreb, one message stood out clearly: progress against cross-border crime depends on unity of purpose. By combining operational expertise, technological innovation, and continuous learning, Europe’s law enforcement community continues to build the capabilities needed to anticipate, adapt, and respond to evolving threats.