Organized crime: balancing national sensitivities with global necessities

The chapter focuses on the EU policies towards OC in the framework of JHA. It provides a set of theoretical reflections and investigates the key political developments. It is divided into three parts. Firstly, the origins and evolution of OC policies are examined through a literature review, discussing what scholars see as the main achievements and failures regarding EU governance. The analysis of JHA in this specific policy field of organized crime offers a chance to reflect more broadly on the EU’s abilities to tackle security issues related to terrorism and political violence, both outside and inside the borders of the EU. Secondly, the major theoretical debates are discussed, stressing the internal and external dimension of JHA. Thirdly, the relevance of political developments and investigates the remaining gaps is underlined. In conclusion, the field ultimately requires further scholarly attention, as well as the use of new and more comprehensive concepts.