ANNEX

OSCE COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME ON SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO PREVENT AND COMBAT ILLICIT TRAFFICKING OF SALW AND CA IN SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE

Phase II

1.   Background

The OSCE participating States (pS) in South-Eastern Europe (SEE) have been tackling significant risks and challenges related to destabilising accumulation and uncontrolled spread of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Conventional Ammunition (CA). It is well established that these risks impact not only the security of the SEE, but also the European Union (EU).

Trafficking of SALW and CA from and through the SEE is a strategic challenge identified in the EU Strategy against illicit firearms, Small Arms & Light Weapons (SALW) and their ammunition (the ‘EU SALW Strategy’) (1). And as such has been addressed through several action plans such as the: 2020-2025 EU action plan on firearms trafficking (2), as well as the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their ammunition in the Western Balkans by 2024 (3). To address these challenges, the relevant institutions of the SEE have officially requested assistance from the OSCE in the field of SALW and CA control (4). The requested assistance contributes to the fulfilment of the above strategic and operational goals, while also supporting them to reach the commitments of the OSCE documents on SALW (FSC.DOC/1/00/Rev.1) and Stockpiles of CA (FSC.DOC/1/03/ Rev.1). Against that backdrop, the OSCE developed a Comprehensive Programme on Supporting Efforts to Prevent and Combat Illicit Trafficking of SALW and CA in SEE (hereinafter, the Programme).

The Programme is harmonised with the ‘Roadmap for a Sustainable Solution to the Illegal Possession, Misuse and Trafficking of SALW and Their Ammunition in the Western Balkans by 2024’  (5) (hereinafter, Roadmap), as well as the successive updated version of the Roadmap that is expected to be in place for the period 2025 to 2030. As such, the entire action is closely coordinated with the SEE stakeholders and international partners contributing to the Roadmap. In this context, the EU decided to support the Programme’s efforts through the Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/2133 of 2 December 2021, in support of the comprehensive programme on supporting efforts to prevent and combat illicit trafficking of SALW and CA in SEE. In addition to the EU’s political and financial backing, the Programme also enjoys support from fifteen other donor participating States.

The proposed action represents Phase 2 of the assistance initiated under the abovementioned Council Decision, and continues to support SEE authorities in meeting the requirements of the revised Roadmap text, which will be implemented from 2025 to 2030 and in continuing the fight against illegal SALW.

By mitigating and preventing the negative effects of the illicit trade in SALW and their ammunition on sustainable development, this action also contributes to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically:

—	Goal 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls (e.g. target 5.2 on eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls); and

—	Goal 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels (e.g. targets 16.1, 16.4 and 16.a).

2.   Overall objective

To continue reducing the risks of illicit trafficking and the uncontrolled spread of SALW in, to and from SEE, which undermine safety and security, impede sustainable peace-building and socio-economic development, contribute to a breakdown in order, fuel terrorism and criminal violence or could potentially lead to a resumption of conflict.

3.   Description of action

The action is based on systematic needs assessment processes, in particular expert assessments conducted from 2022 until 2024.

Based on these assessments and the assistance provided thus far, there is a need to:

—	Ensure international certification of Canine (K-9) capacities in detecting and seizing illicit SALW and CA; as well as

—	Provide international certification of SALW deactivation regulation and operational frameworks by a European Proof House.

The action consists of seven OSCE project components implemented throughout the region. Accordingly, this approach provides capacity building and standardisation in each jurisdiction, while ensuring the establishment of inter-operable, homogeneous and reliable processes and outcomes across the region. The proposed action builds skills and processes that can be utilised both for preventive and enforcement capabilities within each jurisdiction, as well as regionally and beyond. All activities are developed in close cooperation between mandated authorities/institutions, the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and the OSCE field operations in SEE.

Progress in the implementation of this action will continue to be presented and reported at local and regional coordination meetings in support of the updated ‘Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition in the Western Balkans by 2030’. In that respect monitoring of its implementation is coordinated with all SEE SALW Commissions, international partners and SEESAC.

3.1.   Project component 1: Assisting the national authorities of the Republic of Albania to decrease the risk of proliferation and misuse of SALW

3.1.1.   Objective

To reduce the risk of SALW proliferation and misuse in the Republic of Albania.

3.1.2.   Description

The impact of uncontrolled proliferation and possession of SALW, ammunition and explosives continue to constitute a major threat to public safety, social, and economic development in Albania. Poorly controlled and illegal SALW sustain criminal elements and organised crime, by enabling violence and insecurity. These aspects have detrimental effects on security and confidence-building measures in the country and the region. Albania requested assistance in October 2019 at the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation.

The OSCE verified capacities gaps in:

(a)	The legislative and regulative framework for the deactivation of firearms, and its due implementation with improving infrastructure, equipping and training elements;

(b)	The canine (K9) services of Albanian State Police in detecting SALW, ammunition, and explosives;

(c)	Raising public awareness of the dangers of misuse and proliferation of SALW.

The beneficiaries of the project, in addition to population of Albania, are numerous national authorities with the mandate in the field of SALW control in particular the National SALW commission, the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Albania (MoI) and the Albanian State Police (ASP).

3.1.3.   Expected results

Result 1: SALW deactivation legislative framework and its implementation and oversight mechanisms are advanced.

Result 2: The infrastructure, capacity and resources of the ASP K9 Unit to detect illicit SALW, ammunition and explosives are strengthened.

3.1.4.   Activities

3.1.4.1.

Activity related to enhancing legislative framework of the Republic of Albania on matters of SALW and deactivation. The activity will include: — International certification of deactivation legislation by the European SALW Proof House — Evaluation of infrastructure and machinery used for deactivation in the Republic of Albania — Provide trainings on deactivation and its oversight by a European SALW Proof House.

3.1.4.2.

Activity related to enhancing the capacities of Albanian Police in detecting illicit weapons and explosives The activity will include: — Organising a training programme on the Frontex methodology for the detection of SALW and ammunition — Organising a training programme on the European good practices in detecting SALW and ammunition — Procurement of design and works for the infrastructure upgrades for kennels, office facilities and K9 perimeter at the Border Crossing Points in support of K9 units SALW and ammunition detection capability.

3.2.   Project component 2: Addressing security and safety risks of illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition in Bosnia and Herzegovina

3.2.1.   Objective

To support Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in mitigating security and safety risks related to illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition.

3.2.2.   Description

The project addresses high-priority needs specified in the assistance request of the Ministry of Security (2019) and aims to support BiH in mitigating security and safety risks related to illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of SALW, ammunition and explosives – thus contributing to security and stability in the country and the wider region.

The OSCE will continue addressing the following gaps in:

(a)	Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) canine capabilities for detecting SALW, and ammunition, including their infrastructure as well as training elements;

(b)	accessibility to and comparability of SALW-related data necessary for effective policymaking and operational response;

(c)

SALW deactivation, including legislative and regulative frameworks, training, equipment and infrastructure upgrades. The beneficiaries of the project, in addition to population of BiH, are numerous national authorities with the mandate in the field of SALW control, namely LEAs including entity and cantonal ministries of interior (MoIs)/police agencies, BiH SALW Control Co-ordination Body, Ministry of Security (MoS), as well as prosecutors’ offices, courts and penitentiary services.

3.2.3.   Expected results

Result 1: Law enforcement K9 capabilities for detecting SALW, ammunition, and explosives are strengthened.

Result 2: An integrated SALW and ammunition inter-institutional case database and tracking system is developed.

Result 3: Legislative and regulatory framework on SALW deactivation is developed and operationalised.

3.2.4.   Activities

3.2.4.1.

Activity related to strengthening law enforcement K9 capabilities for detecting SALW, ammunition, and explosives. The activity will include: — Upgrading K9 infrastructure — Training programme on the Frontex methodology for the detection of SALW and ammunition — Training programme on the European good practices in detecting SALW and ammunition.

3.2.4.2.

Activity related to developing an integrated SALW and ammunition inter-institutional case database and tracking system. The activity will include: — Supporting establishment of the BiH SALW track record system — Organising training for judiciary and law enforcement users of the SALW tracking system.

3.2.4.3.

Activity related to enhancing legislative framework of BiH on matters of SALW and deactivation. The activity will include: — International certification of deactivation legislation by a European SALW Proof House — Evaluation of infrastructure and machinery used for deactivation in two locations in BiH — Organising trainings for deactivation and its oversight by the European SALW Proof House.

3.3.   Project component 3: Support to the strengthening of the K-9 capacity of Kosovo (6) police to detect and confiscate SALW, ammunition and explosives

3.3.1.   Objective

Support the strengthening of the existing K-9 capability of Kosovo Police and its direct contribution towards prevention, suppression and investigation of SALW, ammunition, and explosives misuse and trafficking in the Western Balkans.

3.3.2.   Description

The project is supporting the strengthening of the existing K-9 capability of Kosovo Police and its direct contribution towards prevention suppression and investigation of SALW, ammunition, and explosives misuse and trafficking in the Western Balkans.

The project addresses verified capacities gaps of the K9 Unit in prevention, suppression and investigation of SALW misuse and trafficking. The beneficiaries of the project, in addition to population of Kosovo, is Kosovo Police.

3.3.3.   Expected result

Result 1: Regulatory and training framework, as well as the infrastructure and equipment of the K-9 unit towards a more efficient and effective prevention, suppression and investigation of SALW, ammunition, and explosives misuse and trafficking is enhanced.

3.3.4.   Activities

3.3.4.1.

Activity related to enhancing regulatory, and training framework, as well as the infrastructure and equipment of the K-9 unit towards a more efficient and effective prevention, suppression and investigation of SALW, ammunition, and explosives misuse and trafficking. The activity will include: — Training programme on the Frontex methodology for the detection of SALW and ammunition — Training programme on the European good practices in detecting SALW and ammunition — Implementation of infrastructure upgrades of the veterinary building and necessary equipment, as well as the facility for simulation of diverse indoors search scenarios — Promoting inclusion of women in key roles within Canine Units (handlers, instructors, and managers) as a prerequisite for enhanced operational effectiveness.

3.4.   Project component 4: Assisting the national authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia to decrease the risk of weapon proliferation and misuse of SALW

3.4.1.   Objective

To reduce the risk of weapon proliferation and misuse of SALW in the Republic of North Macedonia through increasing the prevention, detection, analysis and investigative capacity of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other governmental organisations.

3.4.2.   Description

The project was developed to respond to the assistance request by the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia (2019) to strengthen the capacities of the National Commission on SALW and building the capabilities of the Police department, K9 Unit in detecting weapons and explosives.

The OSCE verified capacities gaps in:

(a)	operational K9 capacity of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in detecting illicit proliferation of SALW;

(b)	due implementation of the deactivation of firearms, including the poor infrastructure, equipment and training;

(c)	analysis of the SALW control issues on strategic and operational levels;

(d)	coordinated public outreach and awareness on risks related to misuse of SALW in the Republic of North Macedonia, including efforts being made by the National SALW commission.

The beneficiaries of the project, in addition to population of the Republic of North Macedonia, are national authorities with the mandate in the field of SALW control, namely the National Commission on SALW, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA) and Police.

3.4.3.   Expected result

Result 1: The Republic of North Macedonia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and SALW Commission regulatory, operational and inter-agency co-operation capacities to combat/address SALW proliferation are enhanced.

Result 2: Strengthened SALW Destruction and Deactivation Inspection Capacities and Improved Management of the SALW Lifecycle.

3.4.4.   Activities

3.4.4.1.

Support to increasing illicit SALW detection capacity of the MoIA through the efficient deployment of K9 assets. The activity will include: — Infrastructure upgrades of the K9 service units of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of North Macedonia at regional level — Training programme on the Frontex methodology for the detection of SALW and ammunition — Training programme on the European good practices in detecting SALW and ammunition.

3.4.4.2.

Reduction of Illegal Weapons, Ammunition, and Explosives through Destruction and Deactivation. The activity will include: — International certification of deactivation legislation by a European SALW Proof House — Evaluation of infrastructure and machinery used for deactivation in the Republic of Albania — Organising trainings on deactivation and its oversight by the European SALW Proof House.

3.5.   Project component 5: Strengthening the capacities of the Montenegrin Ministry of Interior to more effectively reduce, prevent, and counter illicit trafficking and misuse of Small Arms and Light Weapons, ammunition and explosives

3.5.1.   Objective

To support the strengthening of the existing K-9 capability for the detection of SALW, ammunition and explosives, as well as the further development of SALW deactivation practices, thereby enhancing the Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) capabilities to reduce, prevent, and counter the trafficking and misuse of SALW, ammunition and explosives.

3.5.2.   Description

The proposed project is designed based on the request of the Montenegrin SALW Commission, as well as the invitation from the Ministry of Interior to the OSCE mission to Montenegro to provide technical assistance in this area. Detailed consultations were conducted with international and regional partners to ensure coordination of efforts and delineation of potential overlap. As such, this project aligns with and directly supports the implementation of national, regional and international SALW control frameworks.

Systematic needs assessments were conducted in period of 2022 and 2023 by the OSCE independent experts, as well as the Canine Specialists of the French Gendarmerie which provide practical guidance how to advance:

—	Existing K-9 capabilities of the Montenegrin Police in detecting and seizing illicit SALW and CA; as well as how to

—	Strengthen the existing SALW deactivation regulation and operational framework.

3.5.3.   Expected results

Result 1: Strengthening the capacity of the MoI K9 units of the law enforcement institutions to detect illicit SALW, ammunition and explosives by enhancing their infrastructural, operational and training capabilities.

Result 2: The legal framework on the deactivation of firearms is improved and aligned with international standards and capacities for its effective implementation and oversight are strengthened.

3.5.4.   Activities

3.5.4.1.

Activity related to Support the amendments and supplements to the legal and regulatory framework, updating the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the use of K9 capacity, as well as developing a K9 Master Plan for the modernisation of this capability. The activity will include: — Amendment of the legislation and regulation in accordance with European good practice by the MoI and Police — Development of a Masterplan for K9 modernisation — Support to the Working groups for update of legislation and strategic planning.

3.5.4.2.

Activity related to Enhanced training methods and operational capabilities to achieve more efficient and effective prevention, suppression and investigation of the misuse and trafficking of SALW, ammunition, and explosives. The activity will include: — Development of a Training manual (TM), translated and distributed — Trainings for the MoI personnel in the relevant educational / training institutions in line with the Frontex and other European good practices in detecting SALW and ammunition.

3.5.4.3.

Activity related to Enhanced training facilities and equipment along with upgrade infrastructure and logistical assets, to achieve more efficient and effective prevention, suppression and investigation of the misuse and trafficking of SALW, ammunition, and explosives. The activity will include: — Implementation of infrastructure upgrades for kennels, office facilities and K9 perimeter at the K9 unit Headquarters and at Border Crossing Points in support of K9 units SALW and ammunition detection capability — Support to the upgrading of secure storages of training samples, particularly explosives ammunition, SALW, drugs and cash — Procurement of K9 transportation vehicles.

3.5.4.4.

Activity related to Support the development of the legal and institutional framework for the deactivation of SALW, including mechanisms for its effective implementation and oversight. The activity will include: — Support to the Working Group on amendments and supplements of the deactivation legislation — Provision of services of the European Proof House to provide advisory, guidance, training and certification for the infrastructure and deactivation specialists — Organising coordination meetings necessary for information sharing and practical guidance for the development and institutionalisation of the necessary human, educational, technical and infrastructural preconditions for the due implementation and oversight of SALW deactivation.

3.5.4.5.

Activity related to Support the development and institutionalisation of the SALW deactivation capabilities. The activity will include: — Development of infrastructure designs and procurement of works for the upgrade of facilities and practice on SALW deactivation operating in line with the advisory of the European SALW Proof House — Procurement of equipment and materials necessary for due deactivation.

3.5.4.6.

Activity related to Support the development of a Training Manual on SALW deactivation, and provide national and international training for the local practitioners. The activity will include: — Organisation of specialised trainings conducted by the European Proof house for gunsmiths and inspectors — Certification of gunsmiths and inspectors by the European Proof House for deactivation — Development of a Training Manual on bylaw on SALW deactivation.

3.6.   Project component 6: Addressing safety and security risks related to illicit possession, misuse and trafficking of SALW in Serbia

3.6.1.   Objective

To reduce safety and security risks related to SALW in illegal possession, abuses of legal SALW and illicit trafficking of SALW.

3.6.2.   Description

The project was developed to respond to the assistance request by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) of Serbia (2019) to address the challenges of uncontrolled proliferation and illicit possession of SALW that creates a major threat to security and safety in Serbia. These challenges contribute to the spread of crime and serious organised crime, by acting as the enablers of violence, threatening behaviour and terrorism. They also have a similarly negative effect on confidence-building measures in the country and as a threat in the context of gender-based violence.

The OSCE verified needs in combatting illicit trafficking in SALW:

(a)	strengthening the K9 capacity of the Ministry of Interior in detecting weapons and explosives, by (i) establishing the necessary legal framework; (ii) assessing and developing capacities; and (iii) procurement of special equipment and building infrastructure,

(b)	amendments to the Law on Weapons and Ammunition, and the Rulebook on Deactivation of Weapons, by (a) assessing capacities and technical possibilities; and (b) providing technical assistance in the drafting of the rulebook.

The beneficiaries of the project, in addition to population of Serbia, are the Ministry of Interior, the Police and Serbian SALW Proof House in Kragujevac.

3.6.3.   Expected results

Result 1: The legal framework on deactivation is improved and harmonised with international standards and best practices.

Result 2: The MoI’s K9 units’ capacities in detection of SALW, ammunition and explosives are enhanced in compliance with human rights standards.

3.6.4.   Activities

3.6.4.1.

Activities related to the legal framework on deactivation is improved and harmonised with international standards and best practices. The activity will include: — Providing expert advice to the working group meetings on deactivation by a European SALW Proof House — International certification of deactivation legislation by a European SALW Proof House — Provision of infrastructure and machinery used for deactivation — Organisation of trainings on deactivation and its oversight by the European SALW Proof House.

3.6.4.2.

Activities related to enhancing the MoI’s K9 units’ capacities in detection of SALW, ammunition and explosives in compliance with human rights standards. The activity will include: — Procurement and delivery of construction works, equipment and vehicles for K9 unit — Capacity building for the use and deployment of K9 units in prevention and investigation of trafficking of SALW, ammunition and explosives through advisory support, exchange programme and training methodology development — Training programme on the Frontex methodology for the detection of SALW and ammunition — Training programme on the European good practices in detecting SALW and ammunition.

3.7.   Project component 7: Strengthening OSCE action against the illicit proliferation of and Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition (SCA) - Phase 3

3.7.1.   Objective

To support participating States in strengthening confidence and security, as well as in responding to political and security developments in the OSCE area and ensure effective co-operation with external stakeholders.

3.7.2.   Description

The project was developed to assist the OSCE pS to better plan, implement, and if necessary strengthen their commitments against the illicit proliferation of SALW/SCA. This project is part of a phased approach to continuous and refined analysis of threat, risk of SALW/SCA proliferation and trafficking, overview and foresight of needs and requirements, as well as practical tools in the field of SALW and SCA. This foundation is critical for all actors interested in advancing the normative framework, supporting, and strengthening the assistance mechanism, as well as identifying technical assistance necessities and requests.

The use, misuse, and the effects of SALW and SCA affect women and men, boys and girls differently. Addressing these different impacts requires assistance projects to be designed and implemented in a way that recognises this fact, addresses the highly diverse impact of SALW on gender and promotes gender equality. This project supports policy and practical advice on how such targeted action can be developed and undertaken in the context of OSCE practical assistance projects in the field of SALW and SCA.

3.7.3.   Expected result

Result 1: Capacity of OSCE pS, OSCE Executive structures and Field Operations to adequately address the issue of SALW/SCA proliferation and control at any stage of their life-cycles is enhanced.

Result 2: Furthering the use of SALW Portal, knowledge products and tools, to support the monitoring, overview, and implementation of SALW/SCA practical assistance projects.

3.7.4.   Activities

3.7.4.1.

Providing advice and support to the requesting OSCE pS to effectively utilise the assistance mechanism. The activity will include: — Targeted visits and outreach events towards the assistance requesting pS to assess and/or update their specific needs and requirements in the field of SALW and SCA conducted annually — Development of national strategic documents and action plans on SALW control in accordance with the OSCE and other relevant international standards.

3.7.4.2.

Delivering tailor made support to the OSCE assistance providing states necessary for their timely and effective decision making and planning of allocation of resources to SALW and SCA assistance mechanism. The activity will include: — Organisation of periodic/annual donor consultations in Vienna, the pS capitals or via online platforms to provide overview of the impact and outcomes of the assistance projects.

3.7.4.3.

Promoting the use, functionalities and features of the SALW Portal. The activity will include: — Organization of awareness-raising events to promote the use, functionalities and available features of the SALW Portal.

3.7.4.4.

Developing and integrating into the SALW Portal specialised SALW trainings. The activity will include: — Upload of on-line trainings on SALW specific topics to the Portal.

3.7.4.5.

Ensuring effective functioning and ongoing support to the SALW Portal. The activity will include: — Introduction of new features proposed by the users to optimise the Portal functionalities.

4.   Gender

The gender mainstreaming perspectives have been integrated in all stages of the projects’ design, development and implementation. The main premise applied has been that the use, misuse, and the effects of SALW and CA affect women and men, boys and girls differently. To address such impact this action will promote and support inclusion of women in decision making processes, as well as in the implementation of SALW control.

Mainstreaming gender needs has been tailored to the specific contexts and type of assistance foreseen within the projects as well as has been based on a situational analysis that takes gender perspectives into account.

The OSCE’s ‘gender marker’ tool has been applied in design of projects, but also in tracking progress in implementation of gender mainstreaming through project management cycle. Each one of the projects included in this action have gender equality as a significant objective or are fully gender mainstreamed.

5.   Beneficiaries

The direct beneficiaries of the action will be authorities in SEE mandated and responsible for preventing and combatting illicit trafficking of SALW and CA. Primarily targeted authorities are: the Ministries of Internal Affairs and law-enforcement agencies such as police.

The indirect beneficiaries of the action are populations of jurisdictions in SEE and its European neighbourhood that are at risk by the use of illicit SALW and CA in criminal activities, terrorism and violent misuse.

The EU and its Member States mandated authorities will also be indirect beneficiaries of the projects as they will benefit from enhanced SALW and CA control capacities in SEE through, inter alia, better information exchanges as well as coordination and cooperation measures such as risk identification, investigation and tracing, detection and seizure of illicit SALW and CA.

6.   Union visibility

OSCE shall take all appropriate measures to publicise the fact that the action has been funded by the European Union at each SEE jurisdiction. Such measures will be carried out in accordance with the Commission’s Communication and Visibility Manual for European Union External Actions. OSCE will thus ensure the visibility of the Union’s contribution with appropriate branding and publicity, highlighting the role of the Union, ensuring the transparency of its actions and raising awareness of the reasons for the Decision as well as Union support for the Decision and the results of this support. Material produced by the project will prominently display the European Union flag in accordance with Union guidelines for the accurate use and reproduction of the flag.

Given that planned activities vary greatly in scope and character, a range of promotional tools will be used, including: traditional media; websites; social media; and informational and promotional materials including infographics, leaflets, newsletters, press releases and others, as appropriate. Publications, public events, campaigns, equipment and construction works procured under each project will be branded accordingly. To further amplify the impact by raising awareness among various jurisdictions and populaces, the international community and local and international media, each of the project target groups will be addressed using the appropriate language.

7.   Duration

The total estimated duration of this action is 36 months.

8.   Technical implementing entity

The technical implementation of this programme is entrusted to the OSCE Secretariat’s CPC/FSC SU and six (6) OSCE field missions in SEE with the former also holding the coordination role.

9.   Steering Committee

The Steering Committee for this action will be composed of representatives of the High Representative, of the EU Delegations in each SEE jurisdictions, OSCE Secretariat’s CPC/FSC SU and six (6) OSCE field missions in SEE.

The implementing entity, thereby helped by the Steering Committee will ensure that the implementation of the project happens in coordination with the EU’s other related assistance to jurisdictions in SEE.

The Steering Committee will on a regular basis invite representatives from jurisdictions’ partners in SEE. The Steering Committee can also invite representatives of entities involved in projects in SEE that have a similar or related objective. The Steering Committee will review the implementation of this Decision regularly, at least once every 6 months, including by the use of electronic means of communication.

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(1)  European Commission, EU Security Union Strategy, COM/2020/605 final, 24 July 2020.

(2)  European Commission, 2020-2025 EU action plan on firearms trafficking and Annexes, COM(2020) 608 final, 24 July 2020.

(3)  South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC), Regional-Roadmap-for-a-sustainable-solution-to-the.pdf (seesac.org).

(4)  Assistance requests have been received from the Ministry of Interior of Albania, the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of North Macedonia, the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia. In the case of Kosovo, due to status considerations, the restrictions and requirements of the formal procedure do not apply as such for potential projects there. Therefore, under the guidance of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo (OMIK), tailored project and activities are implemented in support of the Kosovo Police. Each assistance request has been verified and followed by an appropriate needs assessment.

(5)  The Roadmap was developed by the Western Balkans authorities with SEESAC’s technical support under the auspices of France and Germany and in consultation with the EU and all other relevant actors, and adopted at the EU – Western Balkans Summit held on 10 July 2018 in London.

(6)  All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text should be understood in full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244.