The Ministry of Justice and Security of the Netherlands, with the support of the European Network on the Administrative Approach (ENAA), organised a field visit on the administrative approach to organised crime in The Hague from 15 to 17 April 2026. The visit brought together 22 participants from 16 EU Member States, alongside representatives of the ENAA Secretariat, creating a diverse platform for exchange between countries at different stages of developing administrative approaches.
The three-day programme combined strategic presentations, practical workshops and on-site visits, offering participants both conceptual insights and hands-on exposure to the Dutch model. The first day focused on the foundations of the administrative approach in the Netherlands, including presentations on the role of Regional Information and Expertise Centres (RIEC) and the application of the Bibob Act. The second day shifted towards practice-oriented learning through workshops at LOODS 12 in Breda, a specialised training and experience centre focusing on subversive crime. These workshops were complemented by contributions from the Mayor of Breda and EURIEC, as well as further presentations from academia, the Ministry of Justice and Security and the Dutch police. The final day centred on local implementation, with a visit to the municipality of The Hague. Local officials presented their work on tackling dishonest businesses and maintaining public order through administrative measures. A guided visit through the neighbourhood illustrated the tangible outcomes of long-term strategies.
Key takeaways: The field visit provided valuable insights into the Dutch administrative approach and its potential as a complementary tool in the fight against organised crime. The Dutch experience demonstrates that a coordinated, multi-agency strategy can effectively disrupt criminal activities by targeting their enabling environment. At the same time, the discussions highlighted that successful implementation depends on a combination of factors, including political commitment, inter-agency cooperation, adequate resources and continuous evaluation. For many participating Member States, the Dutch model serves as a source of inspiration. However, its potential replication to different national contexts will require careful consideration. Strengthening cooperation and knowledge exchange at European level will be essential to fully realise the potential of the administrative approach.