Making Europe Safer: Europol launches 2025 law enforcement photo competition

Each year, law enforcement officers with a keen eye for photography are invited to submit their best images to Europol’s annual photo competition. With the launch of Capture25, Europol seeks submissions from talented photographers that illustrate the many ways that law enforcement authorities protect citizens on a daily basis. Previous editions of the contest have brought to light impressive images that showcase the hard work and dedication of the various law enforcement authorities making Europe safer. As a reward to photographers who submit the best photos, Europol offers a trip for two to its headquarters in The Hague.

This year’s topic: ‘Making Europe Safer’

Participants have to be part of law enforcement agencies of EU Member States or of countries that have agreements and working arrangements with Europol. The 2025 Europol photo competition casts a wide net, inviting submissions that showcase the many ways that law enforcement officers are actively ‘Making Europe Safer’. Europe’s security starts abroad, which is why Europol is looking forward to receiving images that provide a glimpse of the daily routine of law enforcement officers going about their work in partner countries as much as in EU Member States.

As Europol’s work usually deals with crimes that require an international approach and cooperation between several countries, inside and outside the EU, images showing international law enforcement cooperation are particularly welcome. The photo competition will also show officers on patrol or involved in operational activities to combat organised crime. Entries can give insights into training exercises and manoeuvres, or highlight the vital role of community policing. Additionally, creative submissions that offer abstract and artistic interpretations of the theme ‘Making Europe Safer’ are welcome. This may entail showing unexpected perspectives, innovative photography techniques or imaginative compositions that push the boundaries of conventional photography. However, images created or enhanced by artificial intelligence will not be accepted, as traditional photography methods should remain at the core of this contest.

For full details on how to participate, photographers are invited to visit the competition page. The deadline for submissions is Friday 8 August 2025.

Law enforcement officers are invited to submit up to five photos. Whether those participating are professional police photographers or passionate amateurs, Europol is excited to see their photography skills in action! Anyone who is eligible and hopes to win a trip to Europol is therefore invited to go out there, capture the best moments of law enforcement in action, and show why this profession deserves respect and gratitude.

Entries will be used in Europol publications, including calendars, social media and other communication materials.