PREVENT Workshop in Brussels: a joint effort to counter organised crime
From 22 to 24 June 2026, members of the CHANCE network will take part in a three-day international initiative in Brussels, organised by BASTA! in partnership with the Municipality of Saint-Gilles, within the framework of the European project PREVENT.
The event, “Model Approach for the Prevention and Fight against High-Risk Criminal Networks”, brings together stakeholders from across Europe – including civil society organisations, public authorities, researchers, and law enforcement agencies from Belgium, Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Spain.
It represents a key moment for exchange, cooperation and the development of innovative approaches to tackling organised crime at both local and European level.
22 June – Public seminar on EU Directive 2024/1260
The programme opens on 22 June (15:00–19:00) with a public seminar:
“Towards an Ambitious Implementation of EU Directive 2024/1260 on Asset Recovery and Confiscation”
The seminar will explore how asset seizure and confiscation can serve as strategic tools to:
- prevent and counter high-risk criminal networks
- reduce the societal impact of organised crime
- support local development through the social reuse of confiscated assets
Following expert presentations, a roundtable discussion will address key challenges and opportunities for implementing the Directive in Belgium and across Europe.
The session will be moderated by Prof. Dr Jelle Janssens (Ghent University, IRCP) and will feature prominent Belgian and Italian experts, including representatives from institutions, law enforcement and civil society – among them CHANCE network members.
On this occasion, BASTA! will present five legislative proposals on asset confiscation and social reuse, drafted during the Capacity Building Camp held within the RESTART project.
📋 Further information and the full programme for the day are available here:: 22/06 Seminar: Towards an Ambitious Implementation of EU Directive 2024/1260 on Assets Recovery and Confiscation – BASTA!
👉 The seminar is open to the public, but registration is mandatory:
https://forms.gle/tkawWcHdveVkNR3n8
22–24 June – Workshop sessions for professionals
Alongside the public seminar, the initiative includes restricted workshop sessions for professionals working in relevant fields.
These sessions will:
- present tools developed within the PREVENT project
- introduce the forthcoming Handbook on a Model Approach
- share results from five European case studies on the social reuse of confiscated assets
Participants will also take part in interactive working sessions and study visits to local social economy initiatives, exploring how territorial development and social reuse can contribute to effectively countering organised crime.
📅 Here is the full programme for the three-day event: 22- 24 June Workshop: Model Approach for the Prevention and Fight against High Risk Criminal Networks – BASTA!
🔒 Please note: participation in these sessions is limited to invited professionals.
A shared commitment within the CHANCE network
The involvement of several CHANCE members highlights the network’s strong commitment to promoting innovative, community-based approaches to addressing organised crime.
In particular, the focus on asset confiscation and social reuse reflects a core CHANCE priority: transforming the negative impact of criminal activities into opportunities for social justice, inclusion and local development.
For further information:
📧 basta.asbl@gmail.com
