On 29 October 2025, the GLACY-e and CyberSouth+ projects supported the workshop on “The role of capacity building in the era of artificial Intelligence and cybercrime”, held as part of the 2025 Lisbon Forum on AI and Global Governance, organised by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe.
The event brought together experts from the judiciary, law enforcement, policymaking, academia and civil society to explore the intersection of emerging AI technologies and cybercrime, with a particular focus on capacity building strategies.
Furthermore, the workshop highlighted the critical role of capacity building and participants underscored the need for continuous training on AI ethics, digital forensics, electronic evidence handling and procedural safeguards to ensure that AI-generated insights are reliably and responsibly integrated into judicial processes.
Sharing country’s experiences illustrated the practical application of AI in criminal justice was encouraged:
Spain presented how AI was being used to enhance judicial efficiency and crime prevention through tools like Viogen, and Calculator 988, while emphasizing ethical and transparent use of AI in the administration of justice.
Cabo Verde presented innovative initiatives from its Financial Intelligence Unit and Justice Information System, including AI-powered analytics, automated suspicious transaction reporting, and a legal AI chatbot, demonstrating how AI can strengthen detection, investigation and international cooperation while upholding accountability and human rights.
Lebanon highlighted efforts to build a legal and institutional foundation for AI and cybercrime capacity building, including national training materials, cybersecurity strategy implementation and the creation of a Ministry of Technology and AI, showing how countries can prepare justice actors even amid complex reform contexts.
Key messages from the workshop reinforced that AI could serve as a powerful ally in combating cybercrime and only in complementarity with human oversight, ethical judgment and robust legal frameworks. Participants stressed the importance of aligning domestic strategies with international instruments such as the Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) and the emerging Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence to ensure consistency, due process, and international cooperation.
The Lisbon Forum workshop concluded that effective AI and cybercrime capacity building relies on cross-sector collaboration, combining technical expertise, judicial experience, and operational strategies. By fostering knowledge-sharing and practical training, countries can strengthen their cyber-justice responses while safeguarding fundamental rights, transparency, and accountability.
Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention)
Cybercrime Programme Office of the Council of Europe (C-PROC)
North-South Centre of the Council of Europe