Sofia, 16–18 June 2026 – The Expert Working Group (EWG) of the Police Cooperation Convention for Southeast Europe (PCC SEE), the Convention's principal decision-making body for implementation and coordination, convened for its thirty-fifth meeting under the auspices of the Bulgarian PCC SEE Chairmanship-in-Office.

Representatives of ministries responsible for home affairs from the 13 PCC SEE Contracting Parties met to discuss ongoing implementation of the PCC SEE and PCC Prüm frameworks, review recent developments in regional law enforcement cooperation, and identify priorities for future cooperation in addressing organised and serious cross-border crime.

The EWG further reached consensus on key next steps in the area of witness protection. Recognising the importance of effective witness protection for the successful investigation and prosecution of organised and serious crime, the Contracting Parties supported the development of a PCC SEE Agreement on Witness Protection as a framework for enhanced regional cooperation and a more structured and harmonised approach among competent authorities. Delegations agreed to pursue the necessary procedures for launching negotiations on the future agreement and to continue expert-level discussions in the months ahead.

Participants also agreed on a common approach to further strengthen cooperation in the area of undercover operations, building on recommendations developed by practitioners and experts. Both initiatives are expected to be pursued further through the PCC SEE decision-making framework.

A dedicated session marked the twentieth anniversary of the signing of the PCC SEE Convention in Vienna on 5 May 2006. DCAF Deputy Director Béatrice Godefroy participated in the anniversary discussion and delivered opening and closing remarks, highlighting the enduring value of regional cooperation, trust-building and shared commitment in addressing cross-border security challenges.

Reflecting on two decades of PCC SEE, representatives of the Contracting Parties discussed the Convention's evolution from a regional legal instrument into an established multilateral framework supporting law enforcement cooperation, institutional development and regional security across Southeast Europe. Participants emphasised that PCC SEE has evolved beyond a treaty-based framework into a platform for dialogue, mutual trust and practical cooperation, enabling countries to jointly address organised and serious cross-border crime through coordinated approaches and shared standards.

Delegations highlighted PCC SEE's contribution to strengthening operational cooperation, facilitating information exchange and creating trusted professional networks among practitioners. Participants underlined the Convention's practical value in supporting day-to-day law enforcement cooperation and enabling coordinated responses to shared security challenges. Many also emphasised PCC SEE's role in supporting alignment with European standards and broader European integration processes, while providing a unique platform through which EU Member States and EU candidate countries cooperate as equal partners.

Looking ahead, participants reaffirmed the importance of preserving the principles that have underpinned PCC SEE over the past twenty years – trust, shared ownership, equal participation and a commitment to practical solutions. Discussions also focused on future priorities for cooperation, including the continued implementation of the PCC Prüm framework, witness protection, emerging technologies, and other evolving security challenges. The meeting concluded with a shared assessment that, in an increasingly complex and interconnected security environment, PCC SEE remains a relevant and dynamic framework for regional cooperation, continuing to support stronger partnerships and coordinated responses to emerging security challenges.

Hosted by DCAF through its Ljubljana Office since 2008, the PCC SEE Secretariat continues to support the implementation of the PCC SEE Convention and PCC Prüm Agreement, facilitate cooperation among the Contracting Parties, and contribute to strengthening regional security cooperation across Southeast Europe.