VSE Contribution to Public consultation supporting the evaluation and the impact assessment of Council Framework Decision 2008/841/JHA on the fight against organised crime

Organised crime in the EU has evolved into a flexible, network-based and increasingly digital phenomenon, embedded within legitimate economies and operating across borders. Its impact goes beyond security and economic harm, acting as a systemic driver of victimisation affecting individuals, communities, and institutions. However, responses remain largely offender-focused and do not sufficiently address victimisation in practice.

A key feature of modern organised crime is the growing use of exploitation, including forced criminality. Individuals, particularly children and vulnerable groups, are recruited through coercion, manipulation, and abuse of vulnerability. This often blurs the line between victim and offender, leading to misidentification and the risk of victims being treated as perpetrators. Victimisation is frequently hidden and underreported, while criminal networks increasingly use digital tools and legitimate structures to expand their activities. Corruption further enables these dynamics and creates barriers to justice and support.

The current EU framework does not fully reflect these realities, particularly regarding victim identification, exploitation, and forced criminality. A new Directive should strengthen early identification, ensure the application of safeguards such as the non-punishment principle, and better address evolving criminal methods. At the same time, improving the implementation of existing instruments, notably the Victims’ Rights Directive and the Anti-Trafficking Directive, is essential to ensure that victims are effectively identified, protected, and supported.

A comprehensive, victim-centred approach is necessary to address organised crime effectively, combining prevention, protection, and enforcement.