ANABI Participated in the First Meeting of the Cooperation Network on Asset Recovery and Confiscation

On 28–29 May 2026, representatives of the National Agency for the Management of Seized Assets (ANABI) participated in Brussels, Belgium, in the first meeting of the Cooperation Network on Asset Recovery and Confiscation, organised by the European Commission, through the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME).

The meeting took place in the context of the entry into force of Directive (EU) 2024/1260 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 on asset recovery and confiscation, a legislative instrument aimed at strengthening the legal framework applicable to the tracing, freezing, management and confiscation of criminal proceeds across the European Union.

Established pursuant to Article 29 of Directive (EU) 2024/1260, the Cooperation Network on Asset Recovery and Confiscation supports the European Commission by providing technical and legal expertise, facilitating the exchange of best practices and strengthening cooperation between Asset Recovery Offices (AROs), Asset Management Offices (AMOs), Europol, and other competent authorities of the Member States.

The agenda of the meeting included the adoption of the Network’s Rules of Procedure, as well as discussions on the state of transposition of Directive (EU) 2024/1260 across Member States and practical aspects related to the implementation of the new European mechanisms on asset recovery and management. Discussions also covered topics such as immediate freezing measures, the management of businesses affected by freezing orders, interlocutory sales of seized assets, and the management of crypto-assets.

During the meeting, ANABI representatives presented relevant aspects of the Romanian institutional and legal framework, including practical experience in the management of seized assets, international judicial cooperation, and the handling of crypto-assets.

At national level, the Ministry of Justice coordinates the transposition process of Directive (EU) 2024/1260, with the implementation deadline set for 23 November 2026. ANABI’s participation in this meeting reflects the continued commitment of the Romanian authorities to strengthening mechanisms for the recovery and confiscation of criminal proceeds, in line with the objectives and standards of the European Union.