On 12-13 January 2026 in Brussels the launch event of the European Commission Expert Group “Network for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse” took place. The EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, gave a keynote speech and officially launch the expert group.
By creating the Prevention Network as an official expert group (Decision of 29.7.2025, C(2025) 5252 final), the Commission is delivering a key initiative set in the EU Strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse. The Prevention Network will stimulate the sharing of best practices, will inform research and support the development and implementation of rigorously evaluated, effective prevention measures in a multidisciplinary, integrated, and comprehensive approach to the protection of children from child sexual abuse.
The launch event of over 100 participants, included members of the Prevention Network and other stakeholders from civil society, industry, and law enforcement agencies. The event provided an important opportunity to start the work of the expert group and enable practitioners, policymakers, and experts to discuss together innovative approaches, and explore concrete ways to enhance prevention measures across different contexts.
Dr G Nikolaidis, the Scientific Coordinator of the Specific Action PreventCSA@EU and Director of the Department of Mental Health and Social Welfare, Institute of Child Health, has been appointed as one of the members of the Network.