Octopus Project Activities

Back Octopus Conference 2026 marked the 25th anniversary of the Convention on Cybercrime. Key takeaways are available.

The Octopus Conference on Cybercrime, which took place in Strasbourg between 14-16 October 2026, was a truly global platform, with nearly 500 participants from 106 countries gathering in person, with many more joining our livestream sessions – including from public sector but also international and private organisations, civil society and academia.

Organised by the Cybercrime Programme Office of the Council of Europe (C-PROC) and opened by Mr. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the Octopus Conference reached its 16th edition this year.

Key messages emerged from each session and workshop, as well as from the overall conference, with a renewed invitation to make use of the tools provided by the framework of the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) for continuing the effective international response to cybercrime.

We came together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention), the world’s leading cybercrime legal standard. We thank the vision and leadership of the original drafters and commit to carrying that legacy forward for the next 25 years and beyond.

Our shared mission, to help countries fight cybercrime across borders in consistency with human rights, democracy and the rule of law, is as valid today, as it was in 2001.

Consult the key takeways from the Octopus Conference 2026 (English, 23 Oct 2026)