Strengthening Judicial Cooperation: First Edition of the WBCJ Project Winter Academy on Judicial Cooperation

06 December 2024|NEWS

The Western Balkans Criminal Justice Project (WBCJ), in collaboration with the Academy of European Law (ERA), the JITs Network, and the Sirius Project, successfully organised the Winter Academy on Judicial Cooperation in Cross-Border Organized Crime for newly appointed Western Balkan practitioners from December 4 to 6, 2024, in Trier, Germany. This intensive three-day training provided a valuable platform for Western Balkan judicial practitioners to deepen their understanding and skills in cross-border judicial cooperation.

Over the three days, young judicial practitioners engaged in enriching discussions and hands-on activities, gaining insights into judicial cooperation frameworks. The event not only enhanced their technical skills but also strengthened ties among legal practitioners committed to combating cross-border organized crime. The event involved a simulated coordination meeting, where participants applied their learning in a collaborative exercise, fostering teamwork and practical skills.

Throughout the program, participants from the Western Balkans worked alongside experienced expert trainers who helped them to apply key concepts to practical scenarios. As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance judicial collaboration, the Winter Academy underscored the importance of uniting diverse expertise to combat transnational crime effectively. By bridging gaps and sharing best practices, this event marked a significant step forward in tackling cross-border organised crime.