- Fight against transnational organized crime and cross-border criminal activity a shared priority for the WCO and Europol.
- Alignment of operational realities and priorities to enhance coordination and strengthen collaboration.
- Signing of updated Joint Cooperation Action Plan between the two organizations reflects mutual commitment and recognition of joint efforts of Customs and European Police.
On 29 September 2026, the Deputy Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Ricardo Treviño, met with heads of European police and Customs during the European Police Chiefs Convention (EPCC) at Europol’s Headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands. The meeting acted as a platform to reaffirm cooperation between the two organizations in their efforts to bolster the fight against transnational organized crime as well as to agree on joint and coordinated activities to be undertaken in the months ahead.
The WCO and Europol have a long history of cooperation, especially in the fight against crime and other cross-border criminal activities. As part of the Cooperation Agreement signed in 2002, the two organizations exchange information, consult on emerging issues and coordinate activities recognizing that Customs-Police cooperation is vital to address cross-border crime.
On the margins of the EPCC, the Deputy Secretary General of the WCO and Europol’s Deputy Executive Director of Operations Jean Philippe Lecouffe held a bilateral meeting where they signed an updated Joint Cooperation Action Plan, building on the existing Cooperation Agreement that exists between the organizations. During the meeting they discussed the continued strengthening of cooperation underlining the importance of continuing to advance the relationship, with the signing of the updated Joint Cooperation Action Plan reflecting the current operational realities and future priorities of both organizations.
The Deputy Secretary General emphasized the value of cooperation between the WCO and Europol, including through initiatives such as Operation Global Gateway, aimed at monitoring the licit movement and countering the illicit trafficking and diversion of explosive precursor chemicals and other components of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and Operations STOP, aimed at combatting breaches of intellectual property rights (IPR). By supporting exchange of knowledge, know-how, data and intelligence between their members, cooperation between the two Organizations enables them both to enhance targeting capacities and the collective understanding of the emerging modus operandi used by criminals.
The WCO and Europol will continue working together on a range of initiatives, including joint operations and the sharing of practical tools in support of Customs administrations across Europe and beyond. This cooperation combines Europol’s support to EU Member States with WCO’s international reach across the Customs community, enabling law enforcement authorities worldwide to share information, coordinate enforcement activities and support the disruption of criminal networks. The updated Joint Cooperation Action Plan solidifies the commitment of both organizations to the protection of society and safe and secure supply chains.