Dominican Republic: New Agreements with the EU and Spain to Strengthen Security and Prevention

The Dominican Republic signed two major international agreements on April 29, 2026, with the European Union and Spain, as part of broader efforts to strengthen national security, crime prevention, and institutional cooperation.

Partnership with the European Union

On April 29, 2026, the National Drug Council (CND) of the Dominican Republic signed a cooperation agreement with the European Union under the COPOLAD III initiative.

The signing ceremony took place during the 4th annual meeting of this international forum, which brought together more than 170 specialists and representatives from 60 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

The agreement was signed by Alejandro de Jesús Abreu, president of the CND, and Olivier Luyckx, head of programs for Latin America and the Caribbean at the European Commission.

The partnership includes three major initiatives: a national survey on drug consumption among university students, the strengthening of the School for Anti-Drug Policy Training, and the “Wings of Transformation” strategy aimed at supporting children of incarcerated parents.

A pilot project is also set to be launched at the women’s correctional center in Baní.

Bilateral Treaty with Spain

On the same day, the Dominican Republic and Spain signed a bilateral security cooperation treaty designed to reinforce efforts against organized crime.

The agreement was signed by Faride Raful and Fernando Grande-Marlaska Gómez.

The treaty covers multiple areas, including drug trafficking, arms trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, financial crimes, vehicle theft, document fraud, as well as domestic and gender-based violence.

It establishes mechanisms for information sharing, joint investigations, operational support, and the identification of criminal networks.

Both countries also emphasized the importance of technological exchanges, investigative methods, and specialized training programs to strengthen law enforcement capacities.

These agreements reflect the Dominican Republic’s continued strategy of expanding international partnerships to address security challenges through prevention, institutional strengthening, and coordinated action.

Soraya Ades.