WBCJ and SIRIUS projects hold joint workshop on access to electronic evidence in the Western Balkans

On 8-9 October 2026, the Western Balkans Criminal Justice (WBCJ) Project and the SIRIUS Project, both implemented by Eurojust, organised a workshop in Montenegro on cross-border access to electronic evidence held by service providers, bringing together prosecutors and competent authorities from the six Western Balkan partners.

The workshop focused on the legal and operational challenges involved in accessing electronic evidence in cross-border criminal investigations. The discussions addressed the different stages of obtaining data, from identifying relevant information and preserving data to requesting its disclosure through appropriate cooperation channels.

Building on the experience and resources developed by the SIRIUS Project, the workshop combined expert presentations, including from Rakuten, Japan, practical discussions and case-based exercises. Sessions covered different modalities for obtaining electronic evidence, including voluntary requests, emergency disclosure, direct access and mutual legal assistance, as well as relevant international and EU legal frameworks. On the second day, EU prosecutors from Portugal and Germany shared their experience of investigating online child sexual abuse material and chain of custody.