In 2025, CEval GmbH conducted the evaluation of the “EndOCSEA@Europe” project on behalf of the Council of Europe. The evaluation aimed to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of measures addressing online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OCSEA). The final report was published in 2025 and provides a basis for further development of national and international child protection systems.
The EndOCSEA@Europe Project
The “EndOCSEA@Europe” project was initiated by the Council of Europe to support member states in combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Implemented in two phases (2018–2021 and 2023–2025), the project focused on strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing institutional capacities, and improving cross-border cooperation. A key objective was to support the implementation of the Lanzarote Convention and to foster collaboration among public authorities, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and professionals working with children.
The project addresses a rapidly evolving field: digital technologies create new risks such as cyber grooming and sextortion, while increasing the need for coordinated international responses.
The Evaluation
The evaluation covered both project phases and examined key areas including legislative development, capacity-building, awareness-raising, and international cooperation. It was based on a theory-driven, mixed-methods approach, combining document analysis with interviews, case studies, and surveys to capture the perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders.
The analysis followed the OECD-DAC criteria and focused in particular on sustainability, impact, and scalability at political, institutional, and operational levels.
Key Findings
The evaluation demonstrates that the project has made significant contributions to strengthening national child protection systems. These include progress in legal frameworks, enhanced professional capacities, and improved international cooperation. At the same time, the findings highlight that long-term impact depends on the structural integration of measures and sustained resource allocation.
The official report and the accompanying article from the Council of Europe can be viewed here:
- Complete report: Evaluation report
- Article from the Council of Europe: https://www.coe.int/en/web/children/-/protecting-children-online-key-findings-from-the-endocsea-europe-evaluation-report
