Strong co-operation crucial in fight against transnational organized crime, say speakers at OSCE Ministerial Council side event

Strengthening co-operation in the fight against transnational organized crime was the focus of a side event held at the 32nd OSCE Ministerial Council on 5 December 2025 by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Delegations of Albania, Finland and the United Kingdom to the OSCE, with the support of the Delegation of Switzerland.

Marking the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the OSCE Ministerial Council Declaration on Strengthening Co-operation in Countering Transnational Organized Crime, also known as the Tirana Declaration, participants reflected on the impact of the OSCE’s work to combat organized crime since 2020. They also looked ahead to how the Organization can support participating States to address new and emerging organized crime threats.

The co-organizers of the event shared their perspectives on the crucial importance of co-operation in the fight against transnational organized crime and the role played by the OSCE in supporting participating States to implement the Tirana Declaration. 

“The fight against organized crime involves not only law enforcement but also the private sector, civil society, media and academia. As the Tirana Declaration demonstrates, this is precisely where the OSCE’s unique value becomes evident: it brings together dialogue, co‑operation and capacity‑building into a unified response,” said Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen, Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE and Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council.

Looking at the past five years since the Tirana Declaration’s adoption, Ambassador Eglantina Gjermeni, Permanent Representative of Albania to the OSCE, said, “We see clearly that the OSCE has translated the political commitments of the Tirana Declaration into concrete, practical support across the region. All these efforts demonstrate the same message: that co-operation is the most powerful tool we have to tackle transnational organized crime."

Ambassador Muriel Peneveyre, Head of Switzerland’s 2026 OSCE Chairpersonship Task Force, underscored the role of the OSCE: “Our discussion today reinforces Switzerland’s conviction that the OSCE remains uniquely placed to support participating States. Its field presence, its cross-dimensional mandate and its ability to connect States, civil society and practitioners remain highly relevant, including in operationalizing the Tirana Declaration.” 

Turning to the role of the OSCE and the Tirana Declaration in addressing emerging threats, Ambassador Neil Holland, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the OSCE and Chairperson of the OSCE Security Committee, said: “Transnational organized crime is a chronic issue that causes real harm and threatens our security and safety. Strengthening regional and international approaches and responses can help us to ensure collective resilience against the evolving threats we face, including those linked to instability and technological change.”

The event also marked the launch of the OSCE publication, Strengthening co-operation in countering transnational organized crime: taking stock of five years of the Tirana Declaration. 

The publication draws on activities implemented by the OSCE, often in partnership with other regional and international actors, to showcase the impact of the Organization’s work in building safer, stronger and more resilient societies. It also emphasizes the continued relevance of the Tirana Declaration today and in the future.