The CyberSPEX project, a joint initiative of the European Union and the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the UltraXL project, organised a workshop on the admissibility of electronic evidence in criminal proceedings in The Hague on 24–25 September 2026.
The workshop brought together 25 prosecutors and law-enforcement representatives, including representatives from national desks from EUROJUST, EUROPOL and SIRIUS project, and aimed at strengthening the understanding of criminal justice authorities in assessing electronic evidence and to support the preparation of a white paper on improving the handling and admissibility of electronic evidence in criminal proceedings.
As electronic evidence may be stored in foreign, multiple, shifting or unknown jurisdictions, effective international co-operation is increasingly important for criminal investigations and proceedings. The Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)and its Second Additional Protocol (2AP) provide the legal framework and tools for obtaining electronic evidence, including through enhanced co-operation and disclosure mechanisms, while applying the relevant safeguards.
The discussions contributed to the preparation of a white paper on the admissibility of electronic evidence in court. Drawing on the workshop’s practical exchanges, the future work will consider how electronic evidence is obtained through different international co-operation channels, how safeguards and domestic legal requirements apply, and how the authenticity, integrity and traceability of such evidence can be demonstrated when it is assessed in criminal proceedings.
The event facilitated the exchange of national practices and helped identify legislative gaps, operational advantages and good practices relevant to the implementation of the Second Additional Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime.