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EU Council in Nicosia Focuses on Crime Proceeds, Cultural Goods, and Drug Users

Published January 23, 2026, 09:24
EU Council in Nicosia Focuses on Crime Proceeds, Cultural Goods, and Drug Users

The Informal Council of EU Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs commenced in Nicosia, focusing on three key areas: the recovery of assets from criminal activities, the return of illegally trafficked cultural goods, and alternative treatment for young drug users. The Cypriot Minister of Justice, Kostas Fytiris, emphasized the need to strengthen asset recovery mechanisms in a constantly evolving economic environment and to promote the return of cultural goods to their countries of origin. Ministers from other European countries, such as Estonia and Belgium, highlighted the link between organized crime, drugs, the digital environment, and violence. The Estonian Minister of Justice, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, stressed the importance of controlling the digital space to combat drug trafficking through online platforms, while also mentioning the need to return cultural goods, citing the examples of Estonia and Ukraine. The Belgian Minister of Justice, Annelies Verlinden, expressed concern over the increase in violence and the involvement of young people in drug trafficking networks. She noted that a large portion of illegal profits are not seized and emphasized the need to target the finances of criminal networks to weaken their operations. The Spanish Minister for the Presidency, Justice and Relations with Parliament, Félix Bolaños, also participated in the meeting, expressing his condolences for the victims of the train accident in Adamuz. The Council's work is expected to contribute to strengthening cooperation between EU member states in combating crime and protecting cultural heritage.

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