LISBON, Sept 24, 2026 — The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital evidence is reshaping law enforcement across Europe, raising new questions about cybersecurity, data protection and fundamental rights.

These issues were at the centre of the 17th Europol Data Protection Experts Network (EDEN) conference, held in Lisbon on Sept 22 and 23 under the theme “Do Not Cross: Protecting Citizens, Preserving Rights.”

More than 170 participants from across Europe attended the event, including law enforcement officials, data protection officers, representatives of national data protection authorities and academics.

The conference was organised by Europol’s Data Protection Experts Network in cooperation with the Academy of European Law (ERA), and co-hosted by Portugal’s Sistema de Segurança Interna and Polícia Judiciária.

Cloud sovereignty and law enforcement

One of the key discussions focused on cloud technology and its implications for European law enforcement.

Experts examined how authorities can take advantage of modern cloud infrastructure while maintaining appropriate standards for data protection and cybersecurity. The discussions also highlighted the broader issue of European digital sovereignty and the need for secure infrastructure capable of supporting law enforcement operations.

Participants explored the balance between technological innovation and the protection of personal data, particularly as increasing amounts of information used in criminal investigations are stored and processed through digital services.

AI transforms digital evidence

Artificial intelligence was another major focus of the conference, with experts examining how AI is changing the production, use and evaluation of digital evidence.

The discussions reflected growing challenges for investigators as AI-generated and AI-assisted material becomes increasingly relevant to criminal investigations. This raises questions about how digital evidence should be assessed and how law enforcement agencies can maintain reliability, security and legal safeguards as the technology develops.

The conference also examined emerging online threats, including violent nihilistic networks referred to as “The Com”. A Europol expert involved in Project COMPASS shared insights into the challenges investigators face globally when dealing with the phenomenon and its implications for data protection and law enforcement.

Cybersecurity lessons from Ukraine

Cybersecurity resilience during armed conflict was also addressed, with a panel examining “Resilience in Times of War: The Ukrainian Experience.”

Representatives from Ukraine and academia discussed the challenges of maintaining resilient digital systems and protecting critical information amid ongoing military conflict.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, EDEN events have provided a forum for Ukrainian representatives to share their experiences of maintaining digital and institutional resilience in a society facing sustained military threats.

Protecting witnesses in a data-driven world

The conference also examined the security implications of increasingly data-driven investigations.

During the session “A Matter of Survival,” participants discussed witness protection and the risks associated with processing and safeguarding sensitive information. Speakers highlighted how the handling of personal data can have direct consequences for the safety of individuals involved in criminal investigations.

The final panel examined the role of Data Protection Officers in helping law enforcement agencies balance operational requirements with ethics, cybersecurity, privacy and fundamental rights.

Balancing innovation with rights

Opening the conference, Europol Acting Executive Director Jürgen Ebner, European Data Protection Supervisor Wojciech Wiewiorowski and Portuguese Judicial Police National Director Carlos Cabreiro highlighted the growing complexity of policing in a digital and data-intensive environment.

Ebner said law enforcement must make use of technological opportunities while ensuring that its actions remain necessary, proportionate and grounded in fundamental rights.

Wiewiorowski stressed the growing importance of personal-data protection to democracy, while Cabreiro described responsible data processing as an increasingly integral part of modern criminal investigations, affecting information quality, evidence credibility and international cooperation.

Across the two-day conference, discussions centred on where the boundaries should be drawn between innovation and intrusion, operational effectiveness and privacy, and security and individual rights.

The 17th EDEN conference ultimately highlighted the growing need for cooperation among law enforcement agencies, technology experts, data protection authorities and policymakers as AI, cloud infrastructure and other digital technologies continue to transform criminal investigations.

The conference organisers said continued dialogue will be essential to ensure that technological innovation and law enforcement effectiveness remain aligned with the principles of necessity, proportionality, security and respect for fundamental rights.

About EDEN

The Europol Data Protection Experts Network (EDEN) brings together experts from law enforcement and other relevant communities to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices on data protection and cybersecurity.

Through its conferences, webinars and other activities, EDEN provides a platform for discussion on the challenges and opportunities arising from technological developments and the increasing use of data in law enforcement.

–Europol