United we stand? Conceptual diversity in the EU strategy against organized crime

The construction of the EU's area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ) has been established around a few common issues of concern. One important pillar is migration, asylum, visa policy and external border control. Another pillar is that of judicial cooperation in criminal as well as in civil matters. The control of transnational organized crime and terrorism through enhanced police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters forms a fundamental field within the AFSJ. This article focuses on the challenges for the EU as a policy actor to create a common concept of organized crime as a basis for a coherent commitment from the member states.