This meeting also reflected the current focus of ENLETS 3.0, which prioritises stronger collaboration between Technology Interest Groups. Two key challenges shaped much of the agenda. First, the complexity of cross-border cooperation, where differing national laws, systems, and procedures often create operational barriers. Second, the urgent need for more integrated and practical approaches to counter-drone measures, which go beyond the technical domain and require close coordination between C-UAS experts, public order units, and command centres. By bringing these groups together, ENLETS aims to identify practical solutions and build common frameworks that can support operational effectiveness across Member States.

The meeting was made possible thanks to the kind support of the Valencia Local Police, whose contributions also added valuable local expertise and operational insight to the discussions. Attendees were warmly welcomed by local police leaders and ENLETS Core Group Leader Patrick Padding, before receiving updates on the progress and future direction of the TIGs. A highlight of the opening day was the presentation by Iván Lluís Martínez Villanueva, who shared Valencia’s experience and response to last year’s devastating floods. His insights provided critical real-world context that directly informed the flooding scenario exercise and helped frame discussions around urban crisis response and resilience.

The session also featured presentations by Izanne de Wit, Chair of the EU Network on Missing Persons, and Wendy van Hilst, both of whom highlighted the urgent need for improved cross-border data exchange in missing persons cases. Particular attention was given to challenges involving unidentified deaths and international child abduction—issues where faster and more coordinated information sharing across jurisdictions could significantly improve outcomes.

Day 1 featured a collaborative scenario on Urban Flooding & Crisis Response, simulating a large-scale emergency in an urban setting. Participants addressed cascading challenges, including a partial CBRN threat near a chemical plant, blackouts, communication failures, looting, and the management of missing persons amid disinformation. This exercise highlighted the need for enhanced coordination, public communication tools, and real-time situational awareness during complex incidents.

Key themes and insights included:

• Strategic use of drones and electric vehicles in urban response
• Effective evacuation logistics and data management systems
• Tools for managing disinformation and public communication
• Cross-border collaboration for emergency preparedness and recovery

Day 2 was dedicated to focused TIG sessions. Each group set priorities for future work, identified capability gaps, and deepened their technical exchanges. A joint session between the Operational Centres (OC) and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) TIGs explored the potential of autonomous drones to combat organised criminal networks—demonstrating a forward-thinking, operationally grounded approach to tech deployment in policing.

Other key contributions included:

• The Green Policing TIG advocating for an EU-funded roadmap, independent of political cycles, to address long-term equipment and procurement challenges
• The OC TIG promoting scenario-specific planning and referencing effective models from Italy and the Czech Republic
• The Public Order TIG emphasising interoperable officer collaboration and standardised public engagement strategies
• The C-UAS TIG calling for harmonised training and readiness protocols for drone-based policing operations

The day concluded with integrated working group discussions. Participants strongly supported greater EU-level coordination, improved access to cutting-edge technology, and more robust, transnational mechanisms for resilience and crisis response.

Day 3 wrapped up the event with final reflections and a review of strategic priorities across all TIGs. Each group outlined next steps and reaffirmed their commitment to turning insights into tangible progress. The meeting concluded with a collective call to action—driving forward ENLETS’ mission to strengthen innovation and cooperation across European law enforcement.

A full summary report and a video from the event will be published in the coming weeks. To stay informed about ENLETS activities, upcoming events, and publications, we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter via the ENLETS website.

We extend our sincere thanks to all participants, speakers, and contributors whose expertise, openness, and commitment made this Joint TIGs Meeting a true success. Through vibrant discussions, hands-on exercises, and forward-thinking strategies, the event exemplified the strength of collaboration across Europe’s law enforcement community. In an era of rapid technological change and evolving security threats, gatherings like this are vital. They not only ensure that practitioners remain connected and informed but also that innovation is guided by real operational needs. With continued engagement and shared ambition, ENLETS is proud to support and accelerate the collective capacity of European policing to meet the challenges of today—and anticipate those of tomorrow.