Seychelles invited to join Budapest Convention on Cybercrime
Seychelles has been formally invited to accede to the Budapest Convention, expanding its engagement in international efforts to combat cybercrime and strengthening global cooperation frameworks.
On 18 June 2025, the Council of Europe extended an invitation to Seychelles to accede to the Convention on Cybercrime, also known as the Budapest Convention. The invitation, valid for five years, marks a step forward in Seychelles’ engagement with international cybercrime cooperation mechanisms.
This development follows the country’s participation in capacity-building initiatives supported by the Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC). As part of this process, Seychelles will gain observer status in the Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY) and may receive further support under ongoing projects such as the Octopus Project and GLACY-e, both of which aim to enhance global cooperation and legislative harmonisation in tackling cybercrime.
With Seychelles’ invitation, the number of countries engaged with the Budapest Convention rises to 95—80 parties, two signatories, and 13 invited states—highlighting the Convention’s growing role as a global standard for cybercrime legislation and international collaboration.
Why does it matter?
Accession to the Budapest Convention can help Seychelles improve its legal and institutional responses to cybercrime, contributing to a safer digital environment. This step holds significance for civil society as it promotes clearer legal protections, stronger oversight frameworks, and enhanced cooperation with international partners.
