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European Parliament
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European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN). Initiative Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, France, Hungary, Netherlands, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden and United Kingdom

2009/0812(CNS)

PURPOSE: to repeal the existing European Crime Prevention Network Council Decision and to replace it with another that recasts its basic organisational structure.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2009/902/JHA setting up a European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN) and repealing Decision 2001/427/JHA

BACKGROUND: the European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN) was created in 2001 on the basis of a Council Decision 2001/427/JHA. It was established following a conclusion of the Tampere European Council, that there was a need to develop crime prevention measures, to identify and exchange crime prevention measures, and to strengthen the network of competent national authorities for crime prevention.

An external evaluation of the EUCPN which was conducted in 2008-2009 identified opportunities for strengthening the Network which were accepted by the EUCPN Board and which make it necessary to repeal Decision 2001/427/JHA and to replace it by a new Council Decision concerning the Network. In order to increase the capacity of the organisation and to improve its capability to meet its objectives, it was agreed that amendments to the existing legal base would be required. This is the purpose of this decision.

CONTENT: the proposed Decision, based on the initiative of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom, aims to repeal the existing EUCPN Council Decision 2001/427/JHA and to replace it with a new one which will see the creation of a strengthened, more clearly defined Network.

Mandate remains unchanged: overall, the Network’s mandate remains unchanged. The Network will still contribute to developing the various aspects of crime prevention at the Union level, while also supporting crime prevention activity at the national and local level. It shall continue to prevent crime through measures that are intended to reduce or otherwise contribute to reducing crime and citizens' feeling of insecurity, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The actions undertaken by the Network may be direct by deterring criminal activities or through policies and actions designed to reduce he potential for crime and the causes of crime. These include work of government, competent authorities, criminal justice agencies, local authorities, the specialist associations they have set up in Europe, the private and voluntary sectors, researchers and the public, supported by the media

Clearly defined tasks: the Network shall, in particular:

  • facilitate cooperation, contacts and exchanges of information and experience between actors in the field of crime prevention;
  • collect, assess and communicate evidence-based information including good practice on existing crime prevention activities;
  • organise conferences, in particular an annual Best Practice Conference, and other activities, including the annual European Crime Prevention Award,  designed to promote consideration of these specific matters, and to share widely the results thereof;
  • provide its expertise to the Council and the Commission as required.

The Network shall also report to the Council on its activities each year, through the Board and develop and implement a work programme based on a clearly defined strategy taking into account relevant crime threats.

To accomplish its tasks, the Network shall strengthen its information exchange by: i) favouring a multidisciplinary approach; ii) being in close contact, through the national representatives and the contact points, with crime prevention bodies, local authorities, local partnerships and civil society as well as with research institutions and nongovernmental organisations in the Member States; iii) setting up and maintaining its own website, containing its regular reports and any other useful information, in particular a compendium of best practices; iv) endeavouring to use and promote the results of projects, relevant for crime prevention, funded through Union programmes.

Revised structure: the Network’s structure is more clearly defined being made up of a Board, with an Executive Committee and a Secretariat, as well as national representatives and contact points designated by each Member State.

The Board: the Board shall be made up of national representatives, with a Chair and an Executive Committee. The tasks of the Board shall include: i) to ensure the proper functioning of the Network in accordance with this Decision, including deciding on the practical organisation of the Secretariat functions; ii) to develop and adopt a financial regulation; iii) to approve the Network’s strategy, which contributes to developing crime prevention at the Union level; iv) to adopt and ensure delivery of the Network's work programme; v) to adopt an annual report of the Network's activities.

The Secretariat: the Secretariat shall support the Board. It shall function on a permanent basis, for the full benefit of the Network, while respecting confidentiality as required. It shall have the following tasks: i) to provide administrative and general support in the preparation of meetings, seminars and conferences; to draft the annual report and the work programme, to support implementation of the work programme and to provide a focal point for communication with the Network members; ii) to provide an analytical and support function to identify ongoing research activity in the field of crime prevention and related information that would be of use to the Network; iii) to take overall responsibility for hosting, developing and maintaining the Network website.

The Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall provide support to the Chair to ensure, inter alia: i) the development of the Network's strategy for approval by the Board; ii) the effective running of the Board, and iii) the development and carrying-out of the work programme.

National representatives: these will have seats on the Network’s Board. Their main role will be to promote the Network's activities at the national and local level and facilitate the provision, maintenance and exchange of crime prevention material between his Member State and the Network.

Contact points: contact points shall support national representatives in exchanging national crime prevention information and expertise within the Network.

Financing of the Network: Member States are responsible for the financing of the Network and its activities. Member States shall, through the Board, cooperate to ensure cost-effective financing of the Network and its activities. In any event, financial support from the general budget of the EU will always be possible.

Cooperation with other entities: the Network may cooperate with other entities competent in the field of crime prevention where it is relevant to meeting its objectives.

Evaluation: by 30 November 2012 at the latest, the Commission shall present an evaluation report to the Council on the activities of the Network. Based on the results of this evaluation, an assessment shall be carried out to identify possible opportunities that could be achieved by, for example, transferring the Secretariat to an existing Agency.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 30.11.2009. Decision 2001/427/JHA is repealed.