Teade

EN EN

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 29.7.2025

C(2025) 5252 final

COMMISSION DECISION

of 29.7.2025

on establishing the group of experts serving as the Network for the Prevention of Child

Sexual Abuse

EN 2 EN

COMMISSION DECISION

of 29.7.2025

on establishing the group of experts serving as the Network for the Prevention of Child

Sexual Abuse

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Whereas:

(1) Sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children constitute serious violations of

fundamental rights, in particular of the rights of children to the protection and care

necessary for their well-being, as provided for by the 1989 United Nations Convention

on the Rights of the Child1 and by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European

Union.

(2) Child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children are serious criminal offences

that require a comprehensive approach covering the prosecution of offenders, the

protection of child victims and prevention.

(3) Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council2 introduced

provisions to strengthen the prevention of the crimes of child sexual abuse and sexual

exploitation of children online and offline and the protection of the victims thereof.

This Directive is applicable in addition to Directive 2012/29/EU of the European

Parliament and of the Council3 that recognizes the special needs for support and

protection of child victims. In accordance with Directive 2011/93/EU, Member States

are to take appropriate measures, such as education and training, to discourage and

reduce the demand that fosters all forms of sexual exploitation of children. Member

States are also to take appropriate action, including through the Internet, such as

information and awareness-raising campaigns, research and education programmes,

1 Convention on the rights of the child (1989) Treaty no. 27531. United Nations Treaty Series, 1577, pp.

3-178. Available at: https://treaties.un.org/doc/Treaties/1990/09/19900902%2003-

14%20AM/Ch_IV_11p.pdf (Accessed: 24 February 2025). 2 Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on

combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing

Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (OJ L 335, 17.12.2011, p. 1,

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/93/oj). 3 Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing

minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council

Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 57, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2012/29/oj). In July 2023, the Commission adopted a proposal for the

revision of this Directive that that aims to further strengthen the rights of all victims of crime, including

child victims. See Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending

Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims

of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA, COM/2023/424 final.

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where appropriate in cooperation with relevant civil society organisations and other

stakeholders, aimed at raising awareness and reducing the risk of children becoming

victims of sexual abuse or exploitation. In addition, Member States are to promote

regular training for officials likely to come into contact with child victims of sexual

abuse or exploitation, including front-line police officers, aimed at enabling them to

identify and deal with victims and potential victims of child sexual abuse or sexual

exploitation of children online and offline.

(4) The monitoring of the implementation of Directive 2011/93/EU carried out by the

Commission has revealed that Member States’ efforts to prevent child sexual abuse

and sexual exploitation of children online and offline often lack in coordination and

are of unclear effectiveness. This includes, inter alia, the putting in place of preventive

intervention programmes or measures at all stages of prevention, as well as prevention

targeted at offenders and persons who fear that they might offend, and prevention

aimed at children and their environment. Shortcomings in education and awareness

raising also exist. There is, in addition, frequently a lack of a coordinated approach on

the protection of children against any form of violence, including sexual abuse.

(5) With a view to address these challenges, enhance efforts to prevent and counter child

sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline and ensure that the

threats posed by these crimes in the Union are met with adequate prevention measures,

in accordance with the EU strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual

abuse4 (‘the EU Strategy’), the expert group serving as the Network for the Prevention

of Child Sexual Abuse (‘the Prevention Network’) should be set up.

(6) The Prevention Network should be set up as a group of experts in the field of

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline,

and its tasks and structure should be defined in accordance with Commission Decision

C(2016) 3301 establishing horizontal rules on the creation and operation of

Commission expert groups5.

(7) The Prevention Network’s primary focus should be to enhance efforts in preventive

intervention programmes or measures aimed at children and their environment to

reduce the likelihood that a child becomes a victim, as well as at offenders and persons

who fear that they might offend, to reduce the likelihood that such persons offend. The

Prevention Network should help strengthen the capacity in the Union on prevention of

child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline and should

draw on all relevant expertise within and outside of the Union, responding to a child-

rights based integrated approach to protection. It should bring together researchers,

frontline practitioners and other stakeholders working in the field of prevention of

child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. It should enable feedback from practice to

research to help identify further research needs which would in turn strengthen the

evidence base for practitioners. It should help Member States in putting in place

comprehensive, usable, scientifically tested, evaluated and effective preventive

4 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European

Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: EU strategy for a more effective

fight against child sexual abuse, COM(2020) 607 final, Brussels, 24.7.2020. 5 Published on the Register of Expert Groups and Other Similar Entities at:

https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expert-groups-explained?lang=en

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intervention programmes or measures to decrease the prevalence of child sexual abuse

and sexual exploitation of children online and offline in the Union. The Prevention

Network should facilitate the exchange of information, for example on training

materials and capacity building, as well as experience and best practices. It should

enable Member States and other stakeholders to avoid blind spots and duplication of

efforts. Finally, it should also support the Commission in its policy work on

preventing child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline, in

synergies with related frameworks, notably with the EU Network on children’s rights

as regards the implementation of Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/12386.

(8) For it to be able to adequately perform its tasks, the Prevention Network should be

composed of highly qualified, specialised, independent members, appointed in their

personal capacity acting independently and in the public interest, representatives of

organisations active in the field of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual

exploitation of children online and offline and representatives of Member States’

competent authorities and of public entities other than Member States’ competent

authorities.

(9) Rules on disclosure of information by members of the Prevention Network should be

laid down.

(10) Due to the fact that their relevant experience and expertise is rather rare, and the nature

of the subject, highly specialised, high-level advice and a significant added value can

be expected to be provided by members of the Prevention Network and its sub-

group(s) as well as by invited experts. Their services are essential for the development

and implementation of usable, rigorously evaluated and effective preventive

intervention programmes or measures to decrease the prevalence of child sexual abuse

and sexual exploitation of children online and offline in the Union and to the

facilitation of the exchange of best practices, in line with the EU Strategy and in

support of the measures defined in Directive 2011/93/EU. In light of this, and as

highly qualified, specialised, independent experts selected on the basis of objective

criteria, it is justified to remunerate individuals appointed in a personal capacity in

certain cases for the services they provide under this Decision.

(11) Personal data should be processed in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of

the European Parliament and of the Council7,

6 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1238 of 23 April 2024 on developing and strengthening

integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child (OJ L, 2024/1238, 14.5.2024). 7 Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the

protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions,

bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No

45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39,

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/1725/oj).

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HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Establishment of the group of experts

The group of experts serving as the “Network for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse”

(‘Prevention Network’) is set up.

Article 2

Tasks

1. The Prevention Network’s tasks shall be:

(a) to assist the Commission in the preparation and implementation of policy initiatives

in the field of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children

online and offline;

(b) to establish cooperation and coordination between the Commission, Member States,

relevant researchers, frontline practitioners and other stakeholders on questions

relating to the implementation of Union legislation, programmes and policies in the

field of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online

and offline;

(c) to establish cooperation and coordination between the Commission, Member States

and relevant stakeholders on questions relating to putting in place comprehensive,

usable, rigorously evaluated, scientifically tested and effective preventive

intervention programmes or measures in the field of prevention of child sexual abuse

and sexual exploitation of children online and offline;

(d) to bring about, facilitate and foster an exchange of knowledge, experience and good

practices in the field of prevention to decrease the prevalence of child sexual abuse

and sexual exploitation of children online and offline;

(e) to assist the Commission in establishing and operating a repository of data, research

findings, prevention guidelines and programme resources accessible in different

Union official languages and thus becoming a hub for resources in the field of

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and

offline.

2. The Prevention Network shall provide advice and expertise to the Commission in

relation to all areas related to preventing child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation

of children online and offline at all stages of prevention and all levels of the

socio-ecological model, that is, the model emphasizing the interplay between biology

and environment in shaping behaviour, including the individual, interpersonal,

community and societal, in a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to child

protection, and in particular on the following initiatives:

(a) initiatives aimed at offenders and persons who fear that they might offend

against children to reduce the likelihood that a person (re)offends, including

perpetration prevention, perpetrator treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration,

and community response to reintegration;

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(b) initiatives aimed at children and their environment to reduce the likelihood that

a child becomes a victim of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of

children online and offline.

3. The Prevention Network shall act upon request of the Commission and its activities

shall include:

(a) organising regular plenary meetings;

(b) providing opinions and recommendations on Union policy initiatives in the

field of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children

online and offline to the Commission;

(c) facilitating research and data collection, including through prevalence surveys,

and facilitating the dissemination of such knowledge, in the field of prevention

of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline;

(d) assisting the Commission in developing Union guidelines and standards on

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and

offline;

(e) assisting the Commission in evaluating and monitoring intervention

programmes or measures on the prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual

exploitation of children online and offline provided in the Union or, where

potentially relevant for the Union, in third countries and establishing best

practices;

(f) assisting the Commission in providing expert support and guidance to Member

States in developing and scaling up intervention programmes or measures on

the prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online

and offline and helping ensure the transferability of best practices;

(g) assisting the Commission in facilitating the exchange of information on and

development of, or adaptation to the national context of, multidisciplinary

training materials and capacity building for professionals across Member States

in the field of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of

children online and offline, as well as within health systems through training of

health care professionals and integration of child protection measures into care

pathways;

(h) assisting the Commission in developing and carrying out, or assisting the

Commission in supporting Member States in developing and carrying out,

awareness raising and education campaigns to help inform children, parents,

carers and educators about risks and preventive mechanisms in the field of

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and

offline, as well as awareness raising and education campaigns on perpetration

prevention, based on research and evidence, including through safe, inclusive,

and meaningful child participation;

(i) responding to consultations by the Commission on any matter relating to

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and

offline.

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Article 3

Consultation

4. The Commission may consult the Prevention Network on any matter relating to

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and

offline.

Article 4

Membership

1. The Prevention Network shall be composed of up to 50 members.

2. Members shall be:

(a) Member States’ competent authorities with responsibility for the coordination

of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online

and offline;

(b) individuals appointed in a personal capacity active in the field of prevention of

child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline;

(c) organisations active in the field of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual

exploitation of children online and offline;

(d) public entities other than Member States’competent authorities, including third

countries’ authorities, Union bodies, offices or agencies and international

organisations dealing with prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual

exploitation of children online and offline.

3. Members appointed in a personal capacity as referred to in paragraph 2, point (b),

shall act independently and in the public interest. They shall be specialists from the

Union or third countries with outstanding knowledge and experience in the field of

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and

offline.

4. The following organisations, including from third countries, operating at Union,

international or national level in a Member State, may be appointed as members as

referred to in paragraph 2, point (c):

(a) associations;

(b) Non-Governmental Organisations (‘NGOs’);

(c) universities;

(d) research institutes.

5. To be appointed as members, organisations referred to in paragraph 2, point (c), must

have proven and relevant knowledge and experience at national, Union or

international level, in areas relevant to prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual

exploitation of children online and offline in the Union, including with providing

preventive intervention programmes or measures at all stages of prevention, as well

as with victim support, and on the child-rights based and integrated approach to child

protection.

6. Members referred to in paragraph 2, point (c), shall nominate a representative and

two alternate representatives to perform the tasks in the Prevention Network. Those

members shall be responsible for ensuring that their representatives provide a high

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level of expertise. The Commission may refuse the nomination by the organisation

concerned of a representative if it considers this nomination inappropriate in the light

of the requirements specified in the call for applications referred to in Article 5(1). In

such case, the Commission will ask the organisation concerned to appoint another

representative. Each organisation shall be represented in each meeting of the

Prevention Network only by one representative.

7. Members referred to in paragraph 2, points (a) and (d), shall nominate a

representative in the Prevention Network serving as the main contact point, and two

alternate representatives. Those members shall be responsible for ensuring that their

representatives provide a high level of expertise relevant to the tasks of the group or

sub-group(s), namely on prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of

children online and offline. They shall be represented in each meeting only by one

representative. They shall only be represented by civil servants or public employees.

8. Members who are no longer capable of contributing effectively to the Prevention

Network’s deliberations, who, in the opinion of the Commission department

concerned do not comply with the conditions set out in Article 339 of the Treaty on

the Functioning of the European Union or who resign, shall no longer be invited to

participate in any meetings of the Prevention Network or its sub-groups and may be

replaced for the remainder of their term of office.

Article 5

Selection process

1. The selection of members referred to in Article 4(2), points (b) and (c), shall be

carried out via a public call for applications, to be published on the Register of

Commission expert groups and other similar entities8 (‘the Register of expert

groups’). In addition, the call for applications may be published through other means,

including on dedicated websites. The call for applications shall clearly outline the

selection criteria, including the required expertise and the interests to be represented

in relation to the work to be performed. The minimum deadline for applications shall

be four weeks.

2. The selection process of members referred to in Article 4(2), point (b), shall be

carried out in such a manner as to ensure a high level of expertise and balance in

terms of knowledge, geographical origin and gender, taking into account the specific

tasks of the Prevention Network and the type of expertise required.

3. Individuals applying to be appointed as members in a personal capacity referred to in

Article 4(2), point (b), shall disclose any circumstances that could give rise to a

conflict of interest. In particular, the Commission shall require those individuals to

submit a declaration of interests (‘DOI’) form on the basis of the standard DOI form

for expert groups referred to in Annex 4 to Decision C(2016) 3301, together with an

updated curriculum vitae, as part of their application. Submission of a duly

8 Register of Commission expert groups and other similar entities, available at:

https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/home?lang=en

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completed DOI form shall be necessary in order to be eligible to be appointed as a

member in a personal capacity. The conflict of interest assessment shall be

performed in compliance with Article 11 of Decision C(2016) 3301.

4. In order for organisations to be appointed members referred to in Article 4(2), point

(c), such organisations must be registered in the Transparency Register.

5. Members referred to in Article 4(2), points (b) and (c), shall be appointed by the

Director-General of the Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home

Affairs (‘DG HOME’) from applicants with competence in the areas referred to in

Article 2, and who have responded to the call for applications. As regards members

acting in a personal capacity referred to in Article 4(2), point (b), if a conflict of

interest arises after their appointment, DG HOME shall take appropriate measures

pursuant to Article 11 of Decision C(2016) 3301.

6. Members shall be appointed for a mandate of 4 years. They shall remain in office

until replaced or until the end of their term of office. Their term of office may be

renewed.

7. In relation to members referred to in Article 4(2), point (b), DG HOME shall appoint

alternate members, with the same conditions as defined in Articles 4 and 5 and in the

call for applications as referred to in paragraph 1, who shall automatically replace

any members who are absent or indisposed.

8. DG HOME shall establish a reserve list of suitable candidates that may be used to

appoint members’ replacements. DG HOME shall ask applicants for their consent

before including their names on the reserve list.

Article 6

Chair

The Prevention Network shall be chaired by a representative of DG HOME. In light of the

agenda, DG HOME may ask a representative of the Commission’s Directorate-General Joint

Research Centre (‘DG JRC’) to chair the meeting or part of it.

Article 7

Operation

1. The Prevention Network shall act at the request of DG HOME, in accordance with

Decision C(2016) 3301.

2. Meetings of the Prevention Network shall, in principle, be held on Commission

premises or virtually, depending on the circumstances, and shall be held at least

twice a year.

3. DG HOME shall provide secretarial services. Commission officials from other

departments with an interest in the proceedings may attend meetings of the

Prevention Network and its sub-groups.

4. In agreement with DG HOME, the Prevention Network may, by simple majority of

its members, decide that deliberations shall be public.

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5. Minutes on the discussion on each point on the agenda and on the opinions delivered

by the Prevention Network shall be meaningful and complete. Minutes shall be

drafted by the secretariat under the responsibility of the Chair.

6. As far as possible, the Prevention Network shall adopt its opinions, recommendations

or reports by consensus. In the event of a vote, the outcome of the vote shall be

decided by simple majority of the members. Members who have voted against or

abstained shall have the right to have a document summarising the reasons for their

position annexed to the opinions, recommendations or reports.

Article 8

Sub-groups

1. DG HOME may set up sub-groups to assist with specific questions on the basis of

terms of reference defined by DG HOME. Sub-groups shall operate in accordance

with Decision C(2016) 3301 and shall report to the Prevention Network. Sub-groups

shall be dissolved as soon as their mandate is fulfilled.

2. Sub-groups may be composed of members that are not members of the Prevention

Network. The members of sub-groups that are not members of the Prevention

Network shall be selected via a public call for applications, in accordance with

Article 5 of this Decision and with Decision C(2016) 3301.

Article 9

Invited experts

DG HOME may invite experts, including from third countries, with specific and relevant

expertise with respect to a subject matter on the agenda, to take part in the work of the

Prevention Network or its sub-groups on an ad hoc basis. Such expertise may include public

health and mental health professionals involved in child protection.

Article 10

Observers

1. Individuals, organisations and public entities other than Member States’ competent

authorities, including from third countries, may be granted an observer status, in

accordance with Decision C(2016) 3301, by direct invitation.

2. Organisations and public entities appointed as observers shall nominate their

representatives.

3. The Chair may allow observers and observers’ representatives to take part in the

discussions of the Prevention Network and its sub-groups and provide expertise.

However, observers and observers’ representatives shall not have voting rights and

shall not participate in the formulation of recommendations, reports or opinions of

the Prevention Network and its sub-groups.

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Article 11

Rules of procedure

On a proposal by and in agreement with DG HOME the Prevention Network shall adopt its

rules of procedure by simple majority of its members, on the basis of the standard template for

rules of procedure for expert groups, in accordance with Article 17 of Decision C(2016) 3301.

Sub-groups shall comply with the Prevention Network’s rules of procedure.

Article 12

Professional secrecy and handling of classified information

The members of the Prevention Network and its sub-groups and their representatives, as well

as invited experts and observers, are subject to the obligation of professional secrecy, which

by virtue of the Treaties and the rules implementing them applies to all members of the

institutions and their staff, as well as to the Commission's rules on security regarding the

protection of Union classified information, laid down in Commission Decisions (EU,

Euratom) 2015/4439 and 2015/44410. Should they fail to comply with these obligations, the

Commission may take all appropriate measures.

Article 13

Transparency

1. The Prevention Network and its sub-groups shall be registered in the Register of

Commission expert groups and other similar entities (‘the Register of expert

groups’).

2. As concerns the Prevention Network and its sub-groups’ composition, the following

data shall be published on the Register of expert groups:

(a) the name of Member States’ competent authorities;

(b) the name of individuals appointed in a personal capacity;

(c) the name of member organisations; the interest represented shall be disclosed by

publishing it in the Transparency Register of expert groups;

(d) the name of public entities other than Member States' competent authorities,

including third countries’ authorities, Union bodies, offices or agencies and

international organisations;

(e) the name of observers.

9 Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/443 of 13 March 2015 on Security in the Commission (OJ L

72, 17.3.2015, p. 41, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2015/443/oj). 10 Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444 of 13 March 2015 on the security rules for protecting

EU classified information (OJ L 72, 17.3.2015, p. 53, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2015/444/oj).

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3. All relevant documents, including the agendas, the minutes and the participants’

submissions, shall be made available either on the Register of expert groups or via a

link from the Register of expert groups to a dedicated website, where this

information can be found. Access to dedicated websites shall not be submitted to

user registration or any other restriction. In particular, the agenda and other relevant

background documents shall be published in due time ahead of the meeting, followed

by timely publication of minutes. Exceptions to publication shall only be possible

where it is deemed that disclosure of a document would undermine the protection of

a public or private interest as defined in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001

of the European Parliament and of the Council11.

Article 14

Special allowance

1. Participants in the activities of the Prevention Network and its sub-groups shall, in

principle, not be remunerated for the services they offer, without affecting

paragraphs 2 and 3.

2. The members of the Prevention Network and its sub-groups that are individuals

appointed in a personal capacity shall be entitled to a special allowance

compensating for their preparatory work and participation in activities referred to in

Article 2(3), points (b) to (i), organised by the Commission, and for serving as

rapporteur on a specific question.

3 The special allowance shall consist of up to EUR 450 for each full working day spent

assisting the Commission. It shall be paid in accordance with Article 21 of Decision

C(2016) 3301 and within the limits of the available appropriations allocated to the

relevant Commission departments under the annual procedure for the allocation of

resources.

Article 15

Meeting expenses

1. The Commission shall reimburse travel, accommodation and where appropriate,

subsistence expenses incurred by participants in the activities of the Prevention

Network and its sub-groups.

2. All reimbursements shall be made in accordance with the provisions in force within

the Commission and shall be paid within the limits of the available appropriations

allocated to the relevant Commission departments under the annual procedure for the

allocation of resources.

11 Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001

regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (OJ L 145,

31.5.2001, p. 43, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2001/1049/oj).

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Done at Brussels, 29.7.2025

For the Commission

Magnus BRUNNER

Member of the Commission

EN EN

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 29.7.2025

C(2025) 5252 final

COMMISSION DECISION

of 29.7.2025

on establishing the group of experts serving as the Network for the Prevention of Child

Sexual Abuse

EN 2 EN

COMMISSION DECISION

of 29.7.2025

on establishing the group of experts serving as the Network for the Prevention of Child

Sexual Abuse

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Whereas:

(1) Sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children constitute serious violations of

fundamental rights, in particular of the rights of children to the protection and care

necessary for their well-being, as provided for by the 1989 United Nations Convention

on the Rights of the Child1 and by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European

Union.

(2) Child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children are serious criminal offences

that require a comprehensive approach covering the prosecution of offenders, the

protection of child victims and prevention.

(3) Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council2 introduced

provisions to strengthen the prevention of the crimes of child sexual abuse and sexual

exploitation of children online and offline and the protection of the victims thereof.

This Directive is applicable in addition to Directive 2012/29/EU of the European

Parliament and of the Council3 that recognizes the special needs for support and

protection of child victims. In accordance with Directive 2011/93/EU, Member States

are to take appropriate measures, such as education and training, to discourage and

reduce the demand that fosters all forms of sexual exploitation of children. Member

States are also to take appropriate action, including through the Internet, such as

information and awareness-raising campaigns, research and education programmes,

1 Convention on the rights of the child (1989) Treaty no. 27531. United Nations Treaty Series, 1577, pp.

3-178. Available at: https://treaties.un.org/doc/Treaties/1990/09/19900902%2003-

14%20AM/Ch_IV_11p.pdf (Accessed: 24 February 2025). 2 Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on

combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing

Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (OJ L 335, 17.12.2011, p. 1,

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/93/oj). 3 Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing

minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council

Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA (OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 57, ELI:

http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2012/29/oj). In July 2023, the Commission adopted a proposal for the

revision of this Directive that that aims to further strengthen the rights of all victims of crime, including

child victims. See Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending

Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims

of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA, COM/2023/424 final.

EN 3 EN

where appropriate in cooperation with relevant civil society organisations and other

stakeholders, aimed at raising awareness and reducing the risk of children becoming

victims of sexual abuse or exploitation. In addition, Member States are to promote

regular training for officials likely to come into contact with child victims of sexual

abuse or exploitation, including front-line police officers, aimed at enabling them to

identify and deal with victims and potential victims of child sexual abuse or sexual

exploitation of children online and offline.

(4) The monitoring of the implementation of Directive 2011/93/EU carried out by the

Commission has revealed that Member States’ efforts to prevent child sexual abuse

and sexual exploitation of children online and offline often lack in coordination and

are of unclear effectiveness. This includes, inter alia, the putting in place of preventive

intervention programmes or measures at all stages of prevention, as well as prevention

targeted at offenders and persons who fear that they might offend, and prevention

aimed at children and their environment. Shortcomings in education and awareness

raising also exist. There is, in addition, frequently a lack of a coordinated approach on

the protection of children against any form of violence, including sexual abuse.

(5) With a view to address these challenges, enhance efforts to prevent and counter child

sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline and ensure that the

threats posed by these crimes in the Union are met with adequate prevention measures,

in accordance with the EU strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual

abuse4 (‘the EU Strategy’), the expert group serving as the Network for the Prevention

of Child Sexual Abuse (‘the Prevention Network’) should be set up.

(6) The Prevention Network should be set up as a group of experts in the field of

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline,

and its tasks and structure should be defined in accordance with Commission Decision

C(2016) 3301 establishing horizontal rules on the creation and operation of

Commission expert groups5.

(7) The Prevention Network’s primary focus should be to enhance efforts in preventive

intervention programmes or measures aimed at children and their environment to

reduce the likelihood that a child becomes a victim, as well as at offenders and persons

who fear that they might offend, to reduce the likelihood that such persons offend. The

Prevention Network should help strengthen the capacity in the Union on prevention of

child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline and should

draw on all relevant expertise within and outside of the Union, responding to a child-

rights based integrated approach to protection. It should bring together researchers,

frontline practitioners and other stakeholders working in the field of prevention of

child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. It should enable feedback from practice to

research to help identify further research needs which would in turn strengthen the

evidence base for practitioners. It should help Member States in putting in place

comprehensive, usable, scientifically tested, evaluated and effective preventive

4 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European

Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: EU strategy for a more effective

fight against child sexual abuse, COM(2020) 607 final, Brussels, 24.7.2020. 5 Published on the Register of Expert Groups and Other Similar Entities at:

https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expert-groups-explained?lang=en

EN 4 EN

intervention programmes or measures to decrease the prevalence of child sexual abuse

and sexual exploitation of children online and offline in the Union. The Prevention

Network should facilitate the exchange of information, for example on training

materials and capacity building, as well as experience and best practices. It should

enable Member States and other stakeholders to avoid blind spots and duplication of

efforts. Finally, it should also support the Commission in its policy work on

preventing child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline, in

synergies with related frameworks, notably with the EU Network on children’s rights

as regards the implementation of Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/12386.

(8) For it to be able to adequately perform its tasks, the Prevention Network should be

composed of highly qualified, specialised, independent members, appointed in their

personal capacity acting independently and in the public interest, representatives of

organisations active in the field of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual

exploitation of children online and offline and representatives of Member States’

competent authorities and of public entities other than Member States’ competent

authorities.

(9) Rules on disclosure of information by members of the Prevention Network should be

laid down.

(10) Due to the fact that their relevant experience and expertise is rather rare, and the nature

of the subject, highly specialised, high-level advice and a significant added value can

be expected to be provided by members of the Prevention Network and its sub-

group(s) as well as by invited experts. Their services are essential for the development

and implementation of usable, rigorously evaluated and effective preventive

intervention programmes or measures to decrease the prevalence of child sexual abuse

and sexual exploitation of children online and offline in the Union and to the

facilitation of the exchange of best practices, in line with the EU Strategy and in

support of the measures defined in Directive 2011/93/EU. In light of this, and as

highly qualified, specialised, independent experts selected on the basis of objective

criteria, it is justified to remunerate individuals appointed in a personal capacity in

certain cases for the services they provide under this Decision.

(11) Personal data should be processed in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of

the European Parliament and of the Council7,

6 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1238 of 23 April 2024 on developing and strengthening

integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child (OJ L, 2024/1238, 14.5.2024). 7 Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the

protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions,

bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No

45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39,

ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/1725/oj).

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HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Establishment of the group of experts

The group of experts serving as the “Network for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse”

(‘Prevention Network’) is set up.

Article 2

Tasks

1. The Prevention Network’s tasks shall be:

(a) to assist the Commission in the preparation and implementation of policy initiatives

in the field of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children

online and offline;

(b) to establish cooperation and coordination between the Commission, Member States,

relevant researchers, frontline practitioners and other stakeholders on questions

relating to the implementation of Union legislation, programmes and policies in the

field of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online

and offline;

(c) to establish cooperation and coordination between the Commission, Member States

and relevant stakeholders on questions relating to putting in place comprehensive,

usable, rigorously evaluated, scientifically tested and effective preventive

intervention programmes or measures in the field of prevention of child sexual abuse

and sexual exploitation of children online and offline;

(d) to bring about, facilitate and foster an exchange of knowledge, experience and good

practices in the field of prevention to decrease the prevalence of child sexual abuse

and sexual exploitation of children online and offline;

(e) to assist the Commission in establishing and operating a repository of data, research

findings, prevention guidelines and programme resources accessible in different

Union official languages and thus becoming a hub for resources in the field of

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and

offline.

2. The Prevention Network shall provide advice and expertise to the Commission in

relation to all areas related to preventing child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation

of children online and offline at all stages of prevention and all levels of the

socio-ecological model, that is, the model emphasizing the interplay between biology

and environment in shaping behaviour, including the individual, interpersonal,

community and societal, in a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to child

protection, and in particular on the following initiatives:

(a) initiatives aimed at offenders and persons who fear that they might offend

against children to reduce the likelihood that a person (re)offends, including

perpetration prevention, perpetrator treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration,

and community response to reintegration;

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(b) initiatives aimed at children and their environment to reduce the likelihood that

a child becomes a victim of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of

children online and offline.

3. The Prevention Network shall act upon request of the Commission and its activities

shall include:

(a) organising regular plenary meetings;

(b) providing opinions and recommendations on Union policy initiatives in the

field of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children

online and offline to the Commission;

(c) facilitating research and data collection, including through prevalence surveys,

and facilitating the dissemination of such knowledge, in the field of prevention

of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline;

(d) assisting the Commission in developing Union guidelines and standards on

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and

offline;

(e) assisting the Commission in evaluating and monitoring intervention

programmes or measures on the prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual

exploitation of children online and offline provided in the Union or, where

potentially relevant for the Union, in third countries and establishing best

practices;

(f) assisting the Commission in providing expert support and guidance to Member

States in developing and scaling up intervention programmes or measures on

the prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online

and offline and helping ensure the transferability of best practices;

(g) assisting the Commission in facilitating the exchange of information on and

development of, or adaptation to the national context of, multidisciplinary

training materials and capacity building for professionals across Member States

in the field of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of

children online and offline, as well as within health systems through training of

health care professionals and integration of child protection measures into care

pathways;

(h) assisting the Commission in developing and carrying out, or assisting the

Commission in supporting Member States in developing and carrying out,

awareness raising and education campaigns to help inform children, parents,

carers and educators about risks and preventive mechanisms in the field of

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and

offline, as well as awareness raising and education campaigns on perpetration

prevention, based on research and evidence, including through safe, inclusive,

and meaningful child participation;

(i) responding to consultations by the Commission on any matter relating to

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and

offline.

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Article 3

Consultation

4. The Commission may consult the Prevention Network on any matter relating to

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and

offline.

Article 4

Membership

1. The Prevention Network shall be composed of up to 50 members.

2. Members shall be:

(a) Member States’ competent authorities with responsibility for the coordination

of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online

and offline;

(b) individuals appointed in a personal capacity active in the field of prevention of

child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline;

(c) organisations active in the field of prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual

exploitation of children online and offline;

(d) public entities other than Member States’competent authorities, including third

countries’ authorities, Union bodies, offices or agencies and international

organisations dealing with prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual

exploitation of children online and offline.

3. Members appointed in a personal capacity as referred to in paragraph 2, point (b),

shall act independently and in the public interest. They shall be specialists from the

Union or third countries with outstanding knowledge and experience in the field of

prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and

offline.

4. The following organisations, including from third countries, operating at Union,

international or national level in a Member State, may be appointed as members as

referred to in paragraph 2, point (c):

(a) associations;

(b) Non-Governmental Organisations (‘NGOs’);

(c) universities;

(d) research institutes.

5. To be appointed as members, organisations referred to in paragraph 2, point (c), must

have proven and relevant knowledge and experience at national, Union or

international level, in areas relevant to prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual

exploitation of children online and offline in the Union, including with providing

preventive intervention programmes or measures at all stages of prevention, as well

as with victim support, and on the child-rights based and integrated approach to child

protection.

6. Members referred to in paragraph 2, point (c), shall nominate a representative and

two alternate representatives to perform the tasks in the Prevention Network. Those

members shall be responsible for ensuring that their representatives provide a high

EN 8 EN

level of expertise. The Commission may refuse the nomination by the organisation

concerned of a representative if it considers this nomination inappropriate in the light

of the requirements specified in the call for applications referred to in Article 5(1). In

such case, the Commission will ask the organisation concerned to appoint another

representative. Each organisation shall be represented in each meeting of the

Prevention Network only by one representative.

7. Members referred to in paragraph 2, points (a) and (d), shall nominate a

representative in the Prevention Network serving as the main contact point, and two

alternate representatives. Those members shall be responsible for ensuring that their

representatives provide a high level of expertise relevant to the tasks of the group or

sub-group(s), namely on prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of

children online and offline. They shall be represented in each meeting only by one

representative. They shall only be represented by civil servants or public employees.

8. Members who are no longer capable of contributing effectively to the Prevention

Network’s deliberations, who, in the opinion of the Commission department

concerned do not comply with the conditions set out in Article 339 of the Treaty on

the Functioning of the European Union or who resign, shall no longer be invited to

participate in any meetings of the Prevention Network or its sub-groups and may be

replaced for the remainder of their term of office.

Article 5

Selection process

1. The selection of members referred to in Article 4(2), points (b) and (c), shall be

carried out via a public call for applications, to be published on the Register of

Commission expert groups and other similar entities8 (‘the Register of expert

groups’). In addition, the call for applications may be published through other means,

including on dedicated websites. The call for applications shall clearly outline the

selection criteria, including the required expertise and the interests to be represented

in relation to the work to be performed. The minimum deadline for applications shall

be four weeks.

2. The selection process of members referred to in Article 4(2), point (b), shall be

carried out in such a manner as to ensure a high level of expertise and balance in

terms of knowledge, geographical origin and gender, taking into account the specific

tasks of the Prevention Network and the type of expertise required.

3. Individuals applying to be appointed as members in a personal capacity referred to in

Article 4(2), point (b), shall disclose any circumstances that could give rise to a

conflict of interest. In particular, the Commission shall require those individuals to

submit a declaration of interests (‘DOI’) form on the basis of the standard DOI form

for expert groups referred to in Annex 4 to Decision C(2016) 3301, together with an

updated curriculum vitae, as part of their application. Submission of a duly

8 Register of Commission expert groups and other similar entities, available at:

https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/home?lang=en

EN 9 EN

completed DOI form shall be necessary in order to be eligible to be appointed as a

member in a personal capacity. The conflict of interest assessment shall be

performed in compliance with Article 11 of Decision C(2016) 3301.

4. In order for organisations to be appointed members referred to in Article 4(2), point

(c), such organisations must be registered in the Transparency Register.

5. Members referred to in Article 4(2), points (b) and (c), shall be appointed by the

Director-General of the Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home

Affairs (‘DG HOME’) from applicants with competence in the areas referred to in

Article 2, and who have responded to the call for applications. As regards members

acting in a personal capacity referred to in Article 4(2), point (b), if a conflict of

interest arises after their appointment, DG HOME shall take appropriate measures

pursuant to Article 11 of Decision C(2016) 3301.

6. Members shall be appointed for a mandate of 4 years. They shall remain in office

until replaced or until the end of their term of office. Their term of office may be

renewed.

7. In relation to members referred to in Article 4(2), point (b), DG HOME shall appoint

alternate members, with the same conditions as defined in Articles 4 and 5 and in the

call for applications as referred to in paragraph 1, who shall automatically replace

any members who are absent or indisposed.

8. DG HOME shall establish a reserve list of suitable candidates that may be used to

appoint members’ replacements. DG HOME shall ask applicants for their consent

before including their names on the reserve list.

Article 6

Chair

The Prevention Network shall be chaired by a representative of DG HOME. In light of the

agenda, DG HOME may ask a representative of the Commission’s Directorate-General Joint

Research Centre (‘DG JRC’) to chair the meeting or part of it.

Article 7

Operation

1. The Prevention Network shall act at the request of DG HOME, in accordance with

Decision C(2016) 3301.

2. Meetings of the Prevention Network shall, in principle, be held on Commission

premises or virtually, depending on the circumstances, and shall be held at least

twice a year.

3. DG HOME shall provide secretarial services. Commission officials from other

departments with an interest in the proceedings may attend meetings of the

Prevention Network and its sub-groups.

4. In agreement with DG HOME, the Prevention Network may, by simple majority of

its members, decide that deliberations shall be public.

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5. Minutes on the discussion on each point on the agenda and on the opinions delivered

by the Prevention Network shall be meaningful and complete. Minutes shall be

drafted by the secretariat under the responsibility of the Chair.

6. As far as possible, the Prevention Network shall adopt its opinions, recommendations

or reports by consensus. In the event of a vote, the outcome of the vote shall be

decided by simple majority of the members. Members who have voted against or

abstained shall have the right to have a document summarising the reasons for their

position annexed to the opinions, recommendations or reports.

Article 8

Sub-groups

1. DG HOME may set up sub-groups to assist with specific questions on the basis of

terms of reference defined by DG HOME. Sub-groups shall operate in accordance

with Decision C(2016) 3301 and shall report to the Prevention Network. Sub-groups

shall be dissolved as soon as their mandate is fulfilled.

2. Sub-groups may be composed of members that are not members of the Prevention

Network. The members of sub-groups that are not members of the Prevention

Network shall be selected via a public call for applications, in accordance with

Article 5 of this Decision and with Decision C(2016) 3301.

Article 9

Invited experts

DG HOME may invite experts, including from third countries, with specific and relevant

expertise with respect to a subject matter on the agenda, to take part in the work of the

Prevention Network or its sub-groups on an ad hoc basis. Such expertise may include public

health and mental health professionals involved in child protection.

Article 10

Observers

1. Individuals, organisations and public entities other than Member States’ competent

authorities, including from third countries, may be granted an observer status, in

accordance with Decision C(2016) 3301, by direct invitation.

2. Organisations and public entities appointed as observers shall nominate their

representatives.

3. The Chair may allow observers and observers’ representatives to take part in the

discussions of the Prevention Network and its sub-groups and provide expertise.

However, observers and observers’ representatives shall not have voting rights and

shall not participate in the formulation of recommendations, reports or opinions of

the Prevention Network and its sub-groups.

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Article 11

Rules of procedure

On a proposal by and in agreement with DG HOME the Prevention Network shall adopt its

rules of procedure by simple majority of its members, on the basis of the standard template for

rules of procedure for expert groups, in accordance with Article 17 of Decision C(2016) 3301.

Sub-groups shall comply with the Prevention Network’s rules of procedure.

Article 12

Professional secrecy and handling of classified information

The members of the Prevention Network and its sub-groups and their representatives, as well

as invited experts and observers, are subject to the obligation of professional secrecy, which

by virtue of the Treaties and the rules implementing them applies to all members of the

institutions and their staff, as well as to the Commission's rules on security regarding the

protection of Union classified information, laid down in Commission Decisions (EU,

Euratom) 2015/4439 and 2015/44410. Should they fail to comply with these obligations, the

Commission may take all appropriate measures.

Article 13

Transparency

1. The Prevention Network and its sub-groups shall be registered in the Register of

Commission expert groups and other similar entities (‘the Register of expert

groups’).

2. As concerns the Prevention Network and its sub-groups’ composition, the following

data shall be published on the Register of expert groups:

(a) the name of Member States’ competent authorities;

(b) the name of individuals appointed in a personal capacity;

(c) the name of member organisations; the interest represented shall be disclosed by

publishing it in the Transparency Register of expert groups;

(d) the name of public entities other than Member States' competent authorities,

including third countries’ authorities, Union bodies, offices or agencies and

international organisations;

(e) the name of observers.

9 Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/443 of 13 March 2015 on Security in the Commission (OJ L

72, 17.3.2015, p. 41, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2015/443/oj). 10 Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444 of 13 March 2015 on the security rules for protecting

EU classified information (OJ L 72, 17.3.2015, p. 53, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2015/444/oj).

EN 12 EN

3. All relevant documents, including the agendas, the minutes and the participants’

submissions, shall be made available either on the Register of expert groups or via a

link from the Register of expert groups to a dedicated website, where this

information can be found. Access to dedicated websites shall not be submitted to

user registration or any other restriction. In particular, the agenda and other relevant

background documents shall be published in due time ahead of the meeting, followed

by timely publication of minutes. Exceptions to publication shall only be possible

where it is deemed that disclosure of a document would undermine the protection of

a public or private interest as defined in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001

of the European Parliament and of the Council11.

Article 14

Special allowance

1. Participants in the activities of the Prevention Network and its sub-groups shall, in

principle, not be remunerated for the services they offer, without affecting

paragraphs 2 and 3.

2. The members of the Prevention Network and its sub-groups that are individuals

appointed in a personal capacity shall be entitled to a special allowance

compensating for their preparatory work and participation in activities referred to in

Article 2(3), points (b) to (i), organised by the Commission, and for serving as

rapporteur on a specific question.

3 The special allowance shall consist of up to EUR 450 for each full working day spent

assisting the Commission. It shall be paid in accordance with Article 21 of Decision

C(2016) 3301 and within the limits of the available appropriations allocated to the

relevant Commission departments under the annual procedure for the allocation of

resources.

Article 15

Meeting expenses

1. The Commission shall reimburse travel, accommodation and where appropriate,

subsistence expenses incurred by participants in the activities of the Prevention

Network and its sub-groups.

2. All reimbursements shall be made in accordance with the provisions in force within

the Commission and shall be paid within the limits of the available appropriations

allocated to the relevant Commission departments under the annual procedure for the

allocation of resources.

11 Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001

regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (OJ L 145,

31.5.2001, p. 43, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2001/1049/oj).

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Done at Brussels, 29.7.2025

For the Commission

Magnus BRUNNER

Member of the Commission