European Union Networking against Transnational Crime

The European Union (EU) takes part in many networks against crime, either by being a representative for all member states, or as a self-standing member or observer, depending on the policy areas and the institutional setting of the network. This chapter examines networking with regard to two transnational crimes that have been codified at the international level, namely money laundering and terrorism financing, and cybercrime. The networking activities against money laundering and terrorism financing represent a hierarchically structured, centralized network with many sub-networks, but clearly defined roles based in governmental agreements. The chapter shows the similarities and differences in the fields, and assesses the role of the EU in managing the complexity of transnational crime. It introduces global crime governance and the importance of networks in managing this complexity. Global crime governance today includes a myriad of forms on all levels of policy-making.