Expert Group on Environmental Crime Convenes in Vienna to Advance UNTOC Implementation
The Expert Group on Environmental Crime met for the second time in Vienna from 24 to 26 of February 2026, continuing its work to strengthen the global response to crimes that affect the environment within the framework of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).
Throughout the three‑day meeting, experts carried out an in‑depth assessment of how UNTOC is currently being applied to combat environmental crimes and related offences. Delegations identified gaps, practical challenges, and implementation needs, with a view to enhancing international cooperation and improving national capacities to address complex and evolving environmental crime networks.
The Group also held a preliminary exchange on the potential value of developing an Additional Protocol to UNTOC focused specifically on environmental crime. While no decisions were taken at this stage, the discussion highlighted growing international recognition that environmental crime poses a serious and rapidly expanding threat to global security, sustainable development, and the rule of law.
These themes will be taken up again in greater depth at the 13th Conference of the Parties to UNTOC (COP 13), to be held in the autumn of 2026.
Portugal remains fully committed to multilateral cooperation in the fight against environmental crime and to advancing effective, inclusive, and forward‑looking solutions within the UN system.
