Exactly twenty years ago, on 20-21 March 2006, the Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY) held its first plenary meeting in Strasbourg. For the past two decades, the T-CY has been the key mechanism supporting the implementation of the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention).
Today, the T-CY brings together 81 Parties, 16 Observer States as well as relevant international organisations, underlining the global reach and continued relevance of the Convention. Through regular exchanges among experts, it has promoted its effective application and helped address evolving challenges related to cybercrime and electronic evidence.
A major milestone has been the negotiation of the Second Additional Protocol to the Convention, on enhanced co-operation and disclosure of electronic evidence. Opened for signature in May 2022, the Protocol significantly strengthens tools for obtaining electronic evidence across jurisdictions, introducing advanced and innovative measures for international cooperation while ensuring robust safeguards for human rights and the rule of law. Supporting its signature, ratification, entry into force and implementation will remain a central priority for the T-CY in the coming years.
The T-CY has delivered concrete results, including multiple assessment cycles, 14 Guidance Notes, and practical tools to facilitate international co-operation. It has also contributed to promoting common positions of the Parties in international fora and to ensuring that broader international developments remain consistent with the principles and safeguards of the Convention.
Its practitioner-driven nature, bringing together experts directly engaged in addressing cybercrime and handling electronic evidence, has enabled the T-CY to remain responsive to operational needs while addressing emerging legal, policy and technological developments.
Looking ahead, the T-CY will continue to address new challenges, including those related to artificial intelligence and virtual assets. Ensuring the continued relevance and effective implementation of the Budapest Convention and its Protocols will remain central to its work. This will be supported by continued coordination with capacity building activities of the Council of Europe through the Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC).
To mark this anniversary, the T-CY will hold a dedicated session at its plenary meeting on 3-4 June 2026, bringing together former chairs and experts to reflect on achievements, lessons learned and future priorities.
Twenty years on, the T-CY continues to play a vital role in supporting Parties in the effective use and implementation of the Budapest Convention.
