European Union: Decision (EU) 2026/452 setting up cooperation network on asset recovery and confiscation enters into force

On 2 March 2026, Commission Decision (EU) 2026/452 setting up the cooperation network on asset recovery and confiscation entered into force, following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Decision establishes a Commission expert group pursuant to Article 29 of Directive (EU) 2024/1260 to provide advice and enable the exchange of best practices on the implementation of the Directive and to facilitate cooperation among Member States’ asset recovery offices, asset management offices, and Europol. Directive (EU) 2024/1260 covers all forms of criminal property, including digital and crypto-assets where linked to criminal activity, and the network supports coordination in relation to the tracing, freezing, and management of such assets. The group operates under the Commission’s horizontal rules for expert groups and is subject to transparency and professional secrecy obligations.