Turning EMPACT 2026–2029 priorities into action

With the EMPACT 2026–2029 cycle now underway, CEPOL has recently brought together Drivers and Common Horizontal Strategic Goal (CHSG) Coordinators to help set the course for the years ahead. 

During this activity, organised from 16 to 18 June 2026 at the Agency’s headquarters, participants enhanced their knowledge and skills to better address the challenges associated with their responsibilities within the EMPACT framework. 

Implemented as part of CEPOL’s training portfolio for EMPACT core actors, this flagship activity was delivered within the scope of the Agency’s coordination of Common Horizontal Strategic Goal 5 (CHSG 5) on capacity building. It was the fifth edition of the workshop, developed with the valuable support of six experts representing the European Commission’s Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU, and Europol, and in close cooperation with EMPACT Drivers and CHSG Coordinators. 

Focusing on professionalisation and the development of other essential skills, the workshop provided participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences, while receiving 

up-to-date information regarding their role and responsibilities, as well as guidance on leading Operational Action Plans (OAPs) that implement EMPACT priorities, and on coordinating the Common Horizontal Strategic Goals.

Participants also explored the development of a Sectoral Qualifications Framework (SQF) for EMPACT actors, aimed at supporting a common reference for the knowledge, skills and competences expected from the different roles involved in the platform. 

About EMPACT 2026-2029

The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) tackles the 

most important threats posed by organised and serious international crime affecting 

the EU. EMPACT strengthens intelligence, strategic and operational cooperation 

between national authorities, EU institutions and bodies, and international partners. 

EMPACT runs in four-year cycles focusing on common EU crime priorities.

In June 2025, the Council set the following EU crime priorities for the 2026-2029 EMPACT cycle:

• the most threatening criminal networks and individuals;
• the fastest growing crimes in the online sphere (including cyberattacks, online child sexual exploitation and online fraud schemes);
• drug trafficking;
• migrant smuggling and trafficking of human beings;
• firearms and explosives crimes;
• environmental crimes;
• economic and financial crimes (including VAT fraud, excise and customs fraud, and intellectual property crime, counterfeiting of goods and currencies).

EMPACT priorities face many similar challenges, regardless of the crime area. EMPACT Drivers and CHSG Coordinators are responsible for translating strategic objectives into operational activities.

Read more: EMPACT 2025 results