The ENCORE project, funded by the European Commission’s Internal Security Fund, officially launched on 1st November 2025, with a mission to strengthen the fight against corruption linked to pollution crimes. Focusing on illicit trafficking in waste, f-gases, and ozone-depleting substances, ENCORE addresses a critical gap in law enforcement’s understanding and capacity to tackle these interconnected crimes.
A Targeted Response to a Growing Threat
Reports from Europol, UNODC, and ongoing initiatives such as the ECO-SOLVE Project and the revised EU Action Plan Against Wildlife Trafficking highlight corruption as a cornerstone of environmental crime. ENCORE is pioneering in its specific focus on waste, f-gases, and ODS trafficking, aiming to provide law enforcement agencies with deeper insights, improved risk analysis, and specialized training.
Key Activities
- In-depth research to analyze the links between corruption and pollution crimes, informing public institutions and enhancing their resilience.
- Capacity-strengthening initiatives for investigative and enforcement agencies at both strategic and operational levels.
- Intelligence collection and identification of corruption risks, addressing the understudied and under-reported nature of these crimes.
An international, multidisciplinary consortium
ENCORE is implemented by a multidisciplinary consortium, including the Siracusa International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights (coordinator), Ambiendura, Envicrime Academy, and the World Resources Institute. The project also benefits from the support of national institutions as associate partners: SEPRONA (Spain), CESAN (France), the State Environmental Inspectorate (North Macedonia), and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (The Netherlands).
By fostering synergies across research, training, and intelligence, ENCORE aims to drive a more effective and coordinated response to corruption in this high-risk sector.
For more information, please contact the ENCORE Project Coordinator using the form in our Contact us section.
You can download the event documentation and the full press review in PDF format to explore in more detail the highlights of the ENCORE training in Madrid and the key outcomes of the activities.
Download PDF
