Brussels The European Commission has signed the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime, marking a major step in the EU’s commitment to international cooperation against online criminal activity. The signing took place in Hanoi, Viet Nam, where the treaty was formally launched with participation from 65 countries.
Key highlights from the Commission’s announcement:
- Global alignment: The treaty provides a legally binding framework for criminalizing cyber offenses such as ransomware, financial fraud, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. It also facilitates cross-border investigations and evidence sharing.
- EU leadership: By signing the convention, the Commission reaffirmed the EU’s role as a global leader in digital regulation and human rights protection, ensuring that cybercrime enforcement respects privacy, dignity, and fundamental freedoms.
- Support for member states: The Commission will assist EU countries in ratifying and implementing the treaty, offering technical guidance and legal coordination to align national laws with the convention’s standards.
- Complementary efforts: The treaty complements existing EU initiatives such as the Cybersecurity Act, Digital Services Act, and EU Cybersecurity Strategy, creating a more unified approach to digital resilience.
- Next steps: The convention will enter into force 90 days after the 40th ratification, and the EU will continue working with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to support global implementation.
Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson stated, “Cybercrime knows no borders. This treaty is a vital tool to protect our citizens and uphold our values in the digital age.”
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