European Union: European Commission adopted Decision (EU) 2026/452 setting up cooperation network on asset recovery and confiscation

On 27 February 2026, the European Commission adopted Decision (EU) 2026/452 setting up the cooperation network on asset recovery and confiscation. The network is established pursuant to Article 29 of Directive (EU) 2024/1260 and functions as a Commission expert group. Its tasks are to provide advice and enable the exchange of best practices in relation to the implementation of the Directive and to facilitate cooperation among Member States’ asset recovery offices, asset management offices, and Europol. Membership comprises Member States’ authorities designated as asset recovery and asset management offices under Directive (EU) 2024/1260 and Europol. The group is chaired by a Commission representative and, where appropriate, by a Europol representative. The Commission provides secretarial support, may establish sub-groups, and may invite external experts, including from Eurojust, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the Anti-Money Laundering Authority. Other individuals, organisations, and public entities may be granted observer status without voting rights. Members, invited experts, and observers are bound by professional secrecy and the Commission’s security rules. The group operates under the Commission’s horizontal rules for expert groups and is subject to transparency requirements, including publication of its composition, agendas, and minutes in the Register of Commission expert groups.