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EU publishes first comprehensive law enforcement training study since 2013
The European Commission has released a feasibility study that maps law‑enforcement training across the EU, showing the landscape at national, regional and EU levels. Published on 28 October 2026, the study targets law‑enforcement authorities and training providers throughout the Union.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- A new feasibility study maps EU law‑enforcement training programmes
- Timing
- Published on 28 October 2026
- Who is affected
- Law‑enforcement agencies and officials across the EU
The details
- Announced by
- European Commission - Migration and Home Affairs
- New rule
- The study provides the first comprehensive overview of EU law‑enforcement training since 2013, detailing national, regional and EU‑level programmes.
Study publication
On 28 October 2026 the European Commission published the Feasibility Study on Law Enforcement Training in the EU. The document is the first systematic review of training activities since the 2013 baseline.
Training landscape
The study identifies three tiers of training: around 507 national programmes, roughly 104 regional programmes involving two or more Member States, and a growing portfolio of EU‑level courses. EU‑level training supports cross‑border operations and familiarises officers with tools such as SIS, EES and SIENA.
- National level: ~507 programmes
- Regional level: ~104 programmes
- EU level: fills gaps where national capacity is limited
Key findings and recommendations
Only about 20 % of operational authorities consider current EU training sufficient, leaving roughly 170 000 officials still in need of training. The study calls for stronger coordination, a more coherent EU‑wide approach, and positions CEPOL as the central hub for future cooperation, both within the Union and with external partners.
- Strengthen coordination through CEPOL
- Expand cooperation with non‑EU partners
- Develop a sustainable model for EU‑level training
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing travel bookings are not affected by the study.
- No changes to entry requirements or border procedures are introduced.
Cost and documents
- The study does not alter any visa fees or required travel documents.
- No new paperwork is introduced for travellers.
What you need to do
- Travelers should continue to follow current visa and entry rules.
- Monitor official EU channels for any future policy changes stemming from the study.
Who this affects
-
National law‑enforcement agencies
The study maps the 507 national training programmes they currently run.
What to do Agencies are encouraged to align with CEPOL recommendations for better coordination.
-
Regional training consortia
The study identifies 104 programmes that involve two or more Member States.
What to do Consortia should consider joint planning with CEPOL to fill identified gaps.
-
EU law‑enforcement officials
Approximately 170 000 officials are reported as still needing training.
What to do Officials may benefit from expanded EU‑level courses as recommended.
Frequently asked questions
What does the new EU law enforcement training study cover?
The study provides a comprehensive overview of training programmes at national, regional and EU levels, listing around 507 national and 104 regional programmes and describing the role of EU‑level training.
When was the EU law enforcement training feasibility study published?
The European Commission released the study on 28 October 2026.
How many law enforcement officials still need training according to the study?
The study estimates that roughly 170 000 law enforcement officials across the EU still require training.
What percentage of operational authorities consider current EU training sufficient?
Only about 20 % of operational authorities in the EU consider the existing training sufficient.
What role does CEPOL play in the study’s recommendations?
The study highlights CEPOL as the central coordinating body for EU‑level training and suggests it should lead a more coherent approach and expand cooperation with non‑EU partners.
