On 21 April 2026, on the margins of the 12th anniversary of the Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC) of the Council of Europe, a dedicated roundtable on the implementation of the Second Additional Protocol (2AP) to the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) in Romania was organised, focusing on enhancing the legislative and operational framework. The event was supported by the CyberSPEX Project and convened 28 professionals from key national institutions including the National Police, the National Institute of Magistracy, the Ministry of Justice, the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism, the National Cybersecurity Directorate, and the Bucharest Court of Appeal.
Opening remarks were delivered by Matthias Kloth (Head of the Council of Europe’s Digital Governance and Sport Department), Aisling Kelly (Head of the Cybercrime Division), Virgil Spiridon (Head of the Cybercrime Programme Office, C-PROC), and Jutta Dinca (Programme Manager, CyberSPEX), who emphasized the importance of continued engagement for effective implementation of the Second Additional Protocol, referenced achievements and ongoing co-operation with national and international partners.
Discussions centered on legislative and practical challenges of implementing the Second Additional Protocol, with a focus on mechanisms under articles 6 to 10, namely direct co-operation with service providers,
expedited disclosure of electronic evidence, and emergency mutual assistance. Participants exchanged views on competent authority designation, procedures for emergency requests, and practical solutions for cross-border co-operation. The importance of harmonizing domestic definitions with Protocol standards and establishing effective internal mechanisms for adequate responses was highlighted. The meeting also aimed at strengthening the understanding of the Protocol’s provisions, identify legislative and organizational needs, addressing similarities and differences with EU e-Evidence instruments and exploring domestic solutions.
The roundtable was organised as part of the CyberSPEX project’s efforts to support EU member states in the implementation of the Second Additional Protocol to the Budapest Convention and was a catalyst for Romanian authorities to progress towards effective cross-border co-operation and streamlined access to electronic evidence in line with international standards.
Cybercrime Programme Office of the Council of Europe (C-PROC)
