The European Union, speaking at the UNTOC Working Group of Government Experts on Technical Assistance in Vienna on 13 July 2026, expressed concern over significant delays in the Convention's Implementation Review Mechanism, with only three reviews completed to date, and called for broader voluntary financial support from States Parties. The EU also highlighted its role as a major contributor to UNODC, noting that together with its Member States it provided over €116 million in voluntary contributions in 2025, equivalent to 23% of UNODC's voluntary funding that year, and currently supports 62 projects worldwide.
The statement, delivered on behalf of the EU and its Member States, underscored the close link between technical assistance and the review process. The EU noted that in 2026 only two Parties — Italy and the EU — have made voluntary contributions to the Review Mechanism, urging all States Parties to consider providing financial support to broaden the donor base and ensure long-term sustainability. The EU stressed that UNODC activities linked to treaty-based obligations should be covered under the UN regular budget.
The EU detailed its project portfolio, including over EUR 700 million invested with UNODC in countering migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings, covering law enforcement, judicial cooperation, border management, and awareness-raising across Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Southern Asia. New projects include INTERCEPT, a €20 million initiative to disrupt illicit flows via land, aviation and maritime routes, and THEMIS, a global justice cooperation project against crime and terrorism. Nearly €30 million has been invested in countering crimes affecting the environment through the GUARD Wildlife programme.
The forthcoming Conference of the Parties was identified as an opportunity to reflect on strengthening the Review Mechanism, enhancing efficiency in line with the UN80 reform agenda, and making best use of existing resources. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to preserving a strong UNODC field presence and to continuing technical assistance in the field of transnational organised crime.