Discussion on Illicit Trade in Europe and Beyond at the European Parliament

Discussion on Illicit Trade in Europe and Beyond at the European Parliament

On 29 September 2026, the European Parliament in Brussels will host the event "Illicit Trade in Europe and Beyond: Consequences, Causes and Policy Responses", dedicated to discussing the causes and consequences of illicit trade and possible policy responses.

The event is organised by the GLITSS ("Globalization, Illicit Trade, Security and Sustainability") COST Action in cooperation with the offices of Members of the European Parliament Karlo Ressler and Brando Benifei.

The event will present the main findings of GLITSS, a four-year European research network, as well as three project volumes examining the causes and consequences of illicit trade and possible responses. The discussion will also address how the knowledge and research findings developed during the project can be applied in the work of policymakers and practitioners.

Programme (Brussels time):

17:00–17:05 – Welcome and Opening Remarks – Members of the European Parliament Dr Karlo Ressler and Brando Benifei.
17:05–17:10 – Introduction to GLITSS – Prof. Francesco Giumelli, University of Groningen.
17:10–17:20 – The Consequences of Illicit Trade for Safety, Security and Sustainability – Mirela Imsirovic, University of Sarajevo.
17:20–17:30 – Understanding the Causes of Illicit Trade – Aleksandar Maršavelski, University of Zagreb.
17:30–17:40 – Responses to Illicit Trade – George Azzopardi, University of Groningen, and Raluca-Ioana Mocanu, University of Bucharest.
17:40–18:00 – Q&A and Closing.

The event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join remotely.

Date: 29 September 2026.
Time: 17:00–18:00 (Brussels time).
Venue: European Parliament, Brussels / online.

More information about GLITSS: https://glitss.eu/.
Online participation: European Parliament Webex platform.