International Cooperation Mentoring Programme 2025 launched in Budapest: Building trust, knowledge, and cooperation across the EU and its neighbourhood

Law enforcement professionals from the European Union, the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership, and the Southern Neighbourhood gathered in Budapest to launch the 2025 cycle of CEPOL’s International Cooperation Mentoring Programme — an initiative aiming at strengthening cross-border cooperation and building long-term professional ties to tackle shared security challenges. The cycle began with a three-day kick-off event at CEPOL headquarters in Budapest from 20–22 May. Newly selected EU mentors and mentees from partner countries met in person for the first time, united by a shared commitment to law enforcement excellence and cross-border cooperation. The programme promotes practical collaboration and the idea that law enforcement is a family — one that thrives on trust and shared experience. “I am confident that this programme will help further strengthen relationships between EU and CEPOL partner countries law enforcement authorities. The kick-off meeting allows us to build a foundation of trust from the very beginning and quickly move into the work process,” said Norman, one of the mentors from Germany. Participants explored their roles, learned from alumni of the programme, and began shaping their mentoring journeys — grounded in real operational priorities. Thanks to this approach, participants are gaining more than just new contacts: mentors and mentees expand their professional horizons, strengthen their intercultural awareness, and deepen their subject-matter...