Latest updates from our three-volume book series on safety, security, and sustainability
2025-09-01 - 2025-09-02 | Univeristy of Groningen
Latest updates from our three-volume book series on safety, security, and sustainability.
We had the pleasure of holding our workshop at the University of Groningen to mark the realization of our book Volume 1, the first in a series of three volumes. The series explores crucial global challenges through the lenses of safety, security, and sustainability, bringing together diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary insights.
A heartfelt thank you to all colleagues and partners for their valuable contributions. We look forward to continuing this journey with the upcoming volumes! Stay tuned and keep following our work on this exciting journey.

Globalization, Illicit Trade, Sustainability and Security
2025-09-25 - 2025-09-26 | Faculty of Law, Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
The members of Working Group 4 of COST Action No. CA21133 “Globalization, Illicit Trade, Sustainability and Security” (GLITSS) met on September 25–26, 2025, at the Faculty of Law, Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, to work on subchapters of the book, with a special focus on “Tracking and Tracing Technologies” and “Detection and Prevention Through Data Analytics.” During the workshop, participants discussed various methodological approaches and emerging challenges related to these topics, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. The event was part of the preparation for a forthcoming publication that will be included in a three-volume series produced by the GLITSS network.

Workshop - Core Group and Deputies Meeting in Groningen in the Netherlands
2025-09-30 - 2025-10-01 | Univeristy of Groningen
Exciting days for the GLITSS COST Action CA21133 – Globalization, Illicit Trade, Sustainability and Security! Last week on 30.09. and 01.10. In 2025, we held the Core Group and Deputies Meeting in Groningen in the Netherlands, where we discussed the strategic directions and upcoming plans for the next year of the project.
A special focus of our discussions was on the three-volume book series that will be published next year, Policy briefs, Workshops, Webinars, Blog series, and many more important milestones that bring together the work, insights, and collaborations developed through our COST Action. It was inspiring to exchange ideas, align our goals, and continue building this vibrant research network across Europe and beyond.
If you would like your research to gain more visibility and expand your professional network, we warmly invite you to join our GLITSS activities and share your research interests. There are many opportunities to get involved in ways that best enhance you.
A big thank you to all colleagues and contributors for their dedication and teamwork; Together, we are making GLITSS COST Action grow stronger!

Responses to Illicit Trade, organized under the GLITSS COST Action Working Group 3
2025-10-03 00:00 - 01:30 UTC
We are excited to invite you to the next session of the Case Study Webinar Series: Responses to Illicit Trade, organized under the GLITSS COST Action Working Group 3.
Date: 3 October 2025, 12:00–13:00 CET
Time: 12:00–13:15 CET
🎟 Register here: https://rug-nl.zoom.us/meeting/register/rF33qsbaR2Gf3R95OSVSRQ#/registration
This session will feature two insightful case studies on responses to illicit trade:
Olena Tregub, Executive Director of the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (NAKO, Ukraine), will present “Made in Switzerland, Found in the Kremlin War Machine.” The talk will explore how Swiss-made microelectronics are found in Russian weaponry through illicit supply chains. Drawing on forensic analysis, customs data, and open-source research, NAKO has traced over 2,000 components in 30 weapons systems from Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The presentation will highlight key manufacturers, suspected supply routes, and NAKO’s role in sanctions enforcement and advocacy.
The second presentation, “Policing Without Borders: Regional Responses to Illicit Trade on the Balkan Route,” by Dr. Kire Babanoski and Dr. Ice Ilijevski (University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, North Macedonia), focuses on law enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit flows of drugs, arms, and other goods along the Balkan Route. Based on recent cases and regional cooperation initiatives, it highlights cross-border policing, intelligence sharing, and policy strategies.
Examining regional law enforcement cooperation to counter illicit flows of drugs, arms, and other goods.
Moderator: Lucas Tosi Rodriguez
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into cross-border challenges and responses to illicit trade.
