The Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) was the first international treaty to focus explicitly on cybercrime. Its aim is to function as an international framework for the harmonization of cybercrime-related legislation and to facilitate the fight against criminal offences making use of computer networks. Article 35 of the Budapest Convention requires all Parties to designate points of contact available on a 24/7 basis. The 24/7 Network so established facilitates immediate assistance for the purpose of investigations or proceedings concerning criminal offences related to computer systems and data, or for the collection of evidence in electronic form of a criminal offence. Following the entry into force of the Second Additional Protocol to the Budapest Convention, currently open for signature to Parties to the Convention, the 24/7 Network will have additional responsibilities, aimed at enhancing cooperation between the Parties as well as between the Parties and the private sector.

This document provides information on the current responsibilities of the 24/7 Network and relevant practical aspects. It also includes a list of competent authorities set up in accordance with Article 35 in the EU Member States.

The document was prepared within the framework of the SIRIUS Project. The SIRIUS Project has received funding from the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments under Contribution Agreement No PI/2020/417-500.