GLITSS

GLITSS Policy Brief

Migrant smuggling along the Balkan and Mediterranean routes remains a major challenge for Europe’s migrationmanagement.

In Albania and North Macedonia, there has been a rise in the use of online gaming virtual economies for illicit financial practices, including money …

Illicit trade undermines EU resilience, with criminal networks exploiting migration routes, encrypted platforms, and weak enforcement systems.

The illicit trade in arms and weapons is a major driver of mass violence and atrocities. In non-international armed conflicts, in particular, it fuels hostilities and reduces the chances of a settlement.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing faster than legal systems can adapt, creating regulatory gaps that are increasingly exploited in illicit trade.

AnIncompleteLens:Illicittradeisoftenframedprimarily as a criminal justice or border security issue. While enforcement remains essential, this perspective is incomplete.
A Systemic, Co-Dependent Ecosystem: Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and illicit trade are not isolated, transactional crimes but a mutually reinforcing, adaptive ecosystem of secretive financial structures actively incentivizes illicit trade.
A Multi-Million Euro Enterprise: The illicit antiquities trade in the EU operates at significant scale, generating millions of euros annually for organised crime.

Sustainability certifications such as Fairtrade can improve market access and promote sustainable production but benefits often fail to reach the most marginalized producers.

Albania’s EU accession is a chance to improve patient access to medicines and build stronger regional cooperation. Three areas matter most for patients now: EMA approved medicines, not yet registered in Albania; responsible antibiotic use; and reliable vaccine supply.

GLITSS Policy Brief

Working Group 2GLITSS Policy Brief 01/2025

GLITSS Policy Brief

Working Group 2GLITSS Policy Brief 01/2025
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