Dimitrios Petsangourakis, Hellenic Open University - Postgraduate Student, std535049@ac.eap.gr
Evangelos Manouvelos, Hellenic Open University - Collaborating Teaching Staff, manouvelos.evangelos@ac.eap.gr

Summary:
This paper focuses on the phenomenon of organized crime as a global challenge in the context of the contemporary globalized era, which is strongly characterized by systemic destabilization and fluidity. Organized crime, far from being a one-dimensional criminal phenomenon, is approached as a multifactorial and dynamically evolving system that exploits the opportunities arising from the multifaceted crises of the international environment. The paper incorporates both theoretical and empirical data to understand the dimensions and consequences of the phenomenon, with a primary focus on the European reality.
In the first stage, the scientific exploration of organized crime is attempted within the framework of globalization and conditions of systemic destabilization. The analysis focuses on the main forms, structures, and networks of organized criminal groups, with emphasis on the European continent, where a dense interconnection between local and transnational criminal formations is observed. At the same time, the increasing complexity of criminal activities is highlighted, particularly in areas such as cross-border drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and financial crime, along with the associated risks for citizen security within Europe.
Subsequently, the thesis investigates the concept of "systemic destabilization" as an environment that facilitates or enables the development of organized crime. Phenomena such as economic crises, energy insecurity, migration flows, climate change, and geopolitical tensions create “opportunity spaces” for criminal networks to penetrate, establish themselves, and expand their influence.
The next stage of the analysis concerns the evaluation of the European Union’s risk management strategy in relation to organized crime. EU policies and tools are examined, with specific reference to institutions such as Europol, FRONTEX, and the European Council. The performance and effectiveness of these structures are assessed in light of successive crises and multi-level threats.
At the same time, the thesis identifies institutional and operational weaknesses in the EU’s approach to the issue, highlighting the challenges that arise in environments of multiple, overlapping crises. Possible future scenarios regarding the development of the phenomenon at the European level are also explored.
Finally, policy and operational recommendations are proposed to strengthen the European security strategy. Particular emphasis is placed on the need for holistic and cross-sectoral approaches that combine cooperation among member states, technological innovation, data analysis, and risk forecasting.
This paper aims to achieve the following objectives:
(1) to gain a deeper understanding of the nature and evolution of organized crime in today’s international system;
(2) to analyze how systemic destabilization creates a favorable environment for organized crime; and
(3) to evaluate the European Union’s risk management strategies, identifying challenges and proposing improvements in the prevention and suppression of the phenomenon.

JEL classification codes:
K42 – Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
H56 – National Security and War
F52 – National Security; Economic Nationalism
O17 – Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
F59 – International Relations and International Political Economy: Other
H11 – Structure, Scope, and Performance of Government