The Bureau of the Council of Europe’s Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) met on 26–27 March 2026, followed by an ad hoc Plenary meeting of the CDPC on the morning of 27 March, opened by Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law, Gianluca Esposito.
A central focus was the feasibility study on the possible elaboration of a Council of Europe legal instrument on foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), including disinformation, prepared by the Committee of Experts on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (PC-FIMI). The study explores challenges in relation to election interference, media concentration and capture, media freedom and democratic and information literacy, organised crime, cybercrime, corruption, and the malign use of AI and other technologies. It identifies legal challenges and gaps regarding the criminalisation of certain conducts related to FIMI, as well as potential approaches regarding prevention, awareness-raising and education measures. The CDPC Bureau noted the study’s conclusion that a Council of Europe legal instrument on FIMI is feasible.
During the hybrid (online/in-person) ad hoc Plenary meeting of the CDPC on FIMI on Friday 27 March, the CDPC approved the draft Feasibility Study on FIMI, provided advice on it, and instructed the Secretariat to transmit it to the Committee of Ministers for consideration at the Ministerial Meeting on 14–15 May 2026 in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
The Bureau also discussed ongoing work related to the smuggling of migrants (SoM), including preparations for the first meeting of the Committee of Experts on Combating the Smuggling of Migrants (PC-TM), scheduled for 28–29 April 2026 in Strasbourg. The Committee, for which over 30 members have been nominated, will draft a comprehensive recommendation on deterring and fighting the SoM, with particular emphasis on international cooperation, effective legal frameworks, and the protection of human rights, taking into consideration the CDPC adopted feasibility report assessing the need for and feasibility of a possible instrument in this field.
In the field of artificial intelligence and criminal law, the Bureau reviewed progress made by the CDPC-AICL Working Group. It noted that following a mapping study, the Group identified deepfakes (i.e. digital forgeries) as a key concern among member States and agreed to pursue the development of a legal instrument addressing the issue (with further work required regarding its precise scope). A majority of delegations expressed a preference for a non-binding instrument, in particular a Recommendation, and a zero draft is expected to be presented in May 2026.
The Bureau welcomed progress by the Council for Penological Co-operation (PC-CP), including the presentation of the draft Recommendation on education in prisons to the Committee of Ministers’ rapporteur group, with a view to adoption in April 2026, as well as ongoing work on revising standards concerning foreign prisoners and the Council of Europe Probation Rules.
With regard to international cooperation in criminal matters, the Bureau took note of progress by the Committee of Experts on the Operation of European Conventions on Cooperation in Criminal Matters (PC-OC). This includes work on practical tools and guidance in areas such as mutual legal assistance, extradition, and the exchange of criminal records, as well as ongoing reflection on the role of Council of Europe conventions in addressing core international crimes. It also expressed support for developments in accessions by non-member States and encouraged greater visibility of these processes.
The Bureau welcomed the recent adoption of the Recommendation on accountability for technology-facilitated violence against women and girls, and noted that a launch event will take place on 10 June 2026. It was also informed of the state of signatures to the Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law, as well as the expected adoption of the draft Additional Protocol on Asset Recovery supplementing the Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism (CETS No. 198). Additionally, the Bureau was notified of the upcoming opening for signature of the Protocol amending the Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism. Finally, the CDPC reviewed ongoing work across a range of priority areas, including new and emerging digital technologies, restorative justice, child-friendly justice, trafficking in human organs, Medicrime, drug trafficking, protection of cultural property and hate crime, emphasising the continued importance of cross-sectoral co-operation.
The agenda and the list of decisions of the 88th meeting are available on the CDPC website here
