Central Europe

Reconciliation, peacebuilding, regional co-operation and intercultural learning were the focus of the OSCE-supported three-day capacity building training course for potential grant applicants to the ongoing Open Call of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) “RYCOnnecting You(th)”.

From 6 to 9 November, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, representatives of 20 NGOs from across Montenegro learned how to develop project proposals through innovative methodologies for youth outreach and to establish regional partnerships to enhance project impact and visibility.

Opening the training session, Minister of Sports and Youth Dragoslav Šćekić stated that the Open Call for projects that address peacebuilding and reconciliation through youth engagement laid the foundations on which we can build a better and more connected future for all of us. “The funds that have been set aside for this call indicate RYCO’s commitment to investing in projects that, by building the capacity of NGOs, will provide young people with the opportunity for dialogue, mutual connection and intercultural learning,” said Minister Šćekić.

Giovanni Gabassi, Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, stated that this workshop provided participants with the opportunity to learn more about regional co-operation and intercultural learning. “It provides young people with opportunities that create space for dialogue and mutual understanding through projects, in partnership with their peers from the Western Balkan region,” said Gabassi.

Edin Koljenović, Head of the RYCO Local Branch Office in Montenegro, said that almost 200 NGOs had participated in such training courses over the last two years. “We have prepared them not only to apply for funds awarded by RYCO, but we have strengthened their capacities to develop project proposals for other funds,” said Koljenović.

Together with RYCO, the Mission recognizes the role of youth in Montenegro, and will continue to promote the spirit of reconciliation, dialogue and co-operation between them, enhancing youth participation and mobility.

VIENNA, 14 November, 2024 – A conference on media freedom in the OSCE region will take place in Vienna on 22 November. It is being organized by the Maltese Chairpersonship of the OSCE, in collaboration with the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and the 3CL Foundation.

This high-level event will delve into the critical role of free, independent, and pluralistic media in strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing security across the OSCE region. The conference will address key challenges to media freedom, including the safety of journalists, the rise of disinformation, and the rapidly changing digital landscape.

The agenda will feature three key sessions. The first will focus on the safety of journalists, addressing the pressing issue of impunity for crimes committed against them, with particular emphasis on the challenges faced by women journalists and those reporting from conflict zones. The second session will explore the complexities of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age, discussing strategies to combat these challenges while fostering a healthy and vibrant online information space. Finally, the third session will engage youth in shaping the future of journalism, emphasizing resilience and innovation in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Media representatives interested in covering the event are invited to complete the registration form and send it to oscechair2024@gov.mt no later than Wednesday, 20 November 2024. Photography and filming will only be allowed during the opening session.

On 7 and 8 November, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, the Office of the OSCE Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, in co-operation with the Federal Agency for the Management of Confiscated Assets of Bosnia and Herzegovina, facilitated a roundtable discussion on financial investigations in criminal cases, which took place in Neum.

The event aimed to enhance internal co-ordination between all agencies involved in the fight against organized crime, corruption and economic crime. Participants also discussed the development of concrete tools for more effective financial investigations and prompt identification, freezing and seizure of illegally acquired assets.

With the support of the Federal Agency for the Management of Confiscated Assets, the Prosecutor’s Office of Canton Sarajevo presented its approach to streamlining the collection of data on assets in criminal proceedings, which includes a list of contact persons in all institutions and agencies that may have relevant data on the person or persons concerned. The roundtable aimed to encourage other Prosecutor Offices in Bosnia and Herzegovina to make use of this list for direct contact and more swift communication.

This event was organized within the framework of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Strengthening Asset Recovery Efforts in the OSCE Region”, which is funded by Austria, Germany, Italy and the United States. 

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized a five-day training course titled “Facilitation and Conflict Prevention: Fundamentals and Practical Approaches”, which took place from 28 October to 2 November 2024. The course brought together 26 facilitators from the OSCE-supported Women's Resource Centres (WRCs), including 23 women.

The training covered a wide range of topics, including relevant laws, administrative offenses, appeals, and various codes related to domestic violence. The focus was on strengthening the capacity of the WRCs and initiative groups in conflict prevention, conflict sensitivity, and promoting the concept of global citizenship education. Participants learned about the basics of facilitation, key conflict concepts, types and causes of conflicts, conflict sensitivity and resolution, communication roles and types, and the importance of global citizenship as a significant force. They also explored how to promote services through social media and effectively engage with target audiences using different platforms.

Sabohat Azizi, a facilitator from WRC "Marifat," reflected on the experience: “Participating in the training was motivating for me. Attending such sessions inspires and facilitates the exchange of ideas and experiences with colleagues, which enhances our commitment and desire to achieve excellent results. All sessions were relevant, but I particularly enjoyed the one on global citizenship, which instilled in me a greater sense of patriotism and pride in living in a free and independent country. The demonstration of videos and various games were particularly memorable, and I aim to incorporate these elements in future sessions with our beneficiaries.”

“During the training session on ‘Conflict and ways to resolve it,’ I gained valuable knowledge and practical tools for effective conflict resolution,” shared Faridun Mahmudov from WRC "Zanho ziddi zurovari". The methods of active listening and non-violent communication techniques were especially useful in understanding and considering the perspectives of both parties. The practical classes solidified my skills in managing stressful situations, boosting my confidence in applying these techniques in real scenarios. This training has provided me with a clear understanding of how to maintain harmony and trust, even in challenging circumstances, which is crucial when working with people,” concluded Mahmudov.

The OSCE Programme Office supports victims of domestic violence in the regions through a network of 13 OSCE-established WRCs in partnership with local authorities. The ongoing project, "Supporting and Strengthening the Women’s Resource Centres in Tajikistan," is funded by Norway, the United States of America, Finland, the European Union, Andorra and Germany.

As new techniques for obfuscating virtual assets transactions emerge, staying up-to-date in investigative capabilities to counter these threats effectively becomes all the more important. To strengthen Moldova’s ability to combat crypto-related crime, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), organized a specialized training session on “Investigation of Blockchain Obfuscation Techniques” in Chisinau from 13 to 15 November.

Twenty-five representatives from Moldovan law enforcement agencies participated to enhance their skills in investigating obfuscation techniques such as coin joins, mixers, and other transaction-masking methods.

Throughout the training session, participants learned about advanced blockchain obfuscation techniques and practical skills for tracking illicit transactions across blockchains. Case studies provided real-world examples of how criminals use complex layering methods to conceal illicit financial flows, while sessions highlighted best practices and strategies to decode coin joins, mixers and other methods criminals are using.

“As obfuscation techniques which criminals use become more sophisticated, law enforcement must remain one step ahead. This training session empowers Moldovan officials with essential skills to detect and trace these hidden transaction paths,” said Vera Strobachova Budway, Acting Senior Economic Officer. “Such efforts align with the OSCE’s broader mission to bolster security across all dimensions by equipping our partners with tools to address emerging threats.”

The training session is part of an OSCE extra-budgetary project on “Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets”, funded by Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States. The project supports OSCE participating States in building national capacities to mitigate criminal risks related to virtual assets.

SKOPJE, 13 November 2024 —OSCE Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Ian Borg, concluded his visit to North Macedonia today, underscoring the strong partnership between North Macedonia and the OSCE and reaffirming the Organization’s commitment to strengthening progress in the country.   

During his visit, Chair-in-Office Borg met with Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski, and Speaker of the Assembly Afrim Gashi.

“The dedication of the Government of North Macedonia  to advance democratic governance, rule of law, and social cohesion aligns deeply with the OSCE’s mission,” said Chair-in-Office Ian Borg. “Together, we are not only strengthening resilience but ensuring that our cooperative efforts bring tangible benefits to the people of North Macedonia. I look forward to continuing our work to foster stability and security in the region.”

He also participated in an OSCE Troika meeting, together with the Foreign Ministers of North Macedonia (Timcho Mucunski) and Finland (Elina Valtonen).

“The Troika provides the OSCE with continuity, unity, and strategic focus, helping us drive our mission forward with purpose and resolve,” said Chair-in-Office Ian Borg. “In these difficult times, with the ongoing war against Ukraine underscoring the fragility of peace, the OSCE’s role as a pillar of security is more vital than ever. Under Malta’s Chairpersonship’s motto ‘Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security’ we are committed to ensuring that the OSCE remains functional and impactful when it is most needed.”

Chair-in-Office Borg visited the OSCE Mission to Skopje, the OSCE’s longest-standing field mission, established in 1992. During his visit he met with Head of Mission Ambassador Kilian Wahl and Mission staff, commending their dedication and valuable work on the ground.

The Chair-in-Office also met with representatives from civil society organizations working to promote gender equality and combat violence against women and girls, acknowledging the essential role these groups play in building cohesive and resilient communities.

PODGORICA, 12 November 2024 —OSCE Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Ian Borg, concluded his visit to Montenegro today, reaffirming the long-standing partnership between the OSCE and Montenegro.

During his visit, Chair-in-Office Borg met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović, to discuss Montenegro’s priorities and explore how the OSCE can best support these efforts.

“The OSCE has a well-established partnership with Montenegro, built on our shared commitment to democratic values and institutional resilience,” said Chair-in-Office Borg. “From advancing the rule of law and enhancing media freedom to supporting comprehensive electoral reform, we will continue to be at the side of Montenegro every step of the way on its journey.”

The Chair also met with representatives from the civil society to discuss media freedom, the safety of journalists and the importance of promoting media literacy. Recognizing the essential role of independent media in a democratic society, he emphasized the OSCE’s ongoing support for strengthening media freedom and ensuring a safe environment for journalists, a key priority throughout Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship. ”The OSCE is committed to strengthening the protection of journalists and stands ready to support initiatives ensuring a safer and more resilient media landscape in Montenegro,” stated Chair-in-Office Borg.

During his visit to the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Deputy Prime Minister Borg met with the acting Head of Mission Giovanni Gabassi and the Mission staff, commending their dedication to fulfilling the Mission’s mandate. “Our Field Operations are the true pulse of the OSCE. Our teams on the ground help materialize our principles into tangible results to the benefit of all communities,” said Chair-in-Office Ian Borg. “This is why resilience has been at the heart of our Chairpersonship this year, not only here in the region and beyond, but also within the OSCE itself. We are committed to ensuring that our Organization can continue to fulfil its mission to enhance security and promote peace,” he noted.

SARAJEVO, 12 November 2024 — OSCE Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Ian Borg, concluded his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina yesterday, reaffirming the OSCE's unwavering commitment to supporting the country and highlighting the added value of the OSCE’s wide field presence on the ground.

“This visit underscores our strong partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Chair-in-Office Ian Borg. “The OSCE remains committed to supporting the country’s reform priorities, from strengthening the rule of law and combating corruption to advancing media freedom and addressing gender-based violence.”

In Sarajevo, Chair-in-Office Ian Borg met with Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković, and the Collegium of both Parliamentary Assembly Houses.

Chair-in-Office Borg visited the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, meeting with Head of Mission Brian Aggeler and Mission staff, commending their dedication and professionalism in carrying out the Mission’s mandate.

With its decades of experience and tailor-made programmes, the OSCE and its Mission remain a trusted partner in and for Bosnia and Herzegovina, facilitating and supporting dialogue as well as fostering resilience at both institutional and community levels across the country. Through partnerships with local and national stakeholders, the OSCE aims to strengthen social cohesion, build trust among communities, and support democratic governance.

At an event marking the 30th anniversary of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s signing of the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, Deputy Prime Minister Borg emphasized the Code’s enduring role in promoting transparency, predictability, and trust among participating States.

“We urge political leaders to move beyond divisive narratives and engage in constructive, result-oriented dialogue to generate tangible progress for all citizens. Compromise is not a sign of weakness, but a hallmark of responsible, forward-looking leadership,”  said Chair-in-Office Borg.

Chair-in-Office Borg travelled to Konjic to visit an area affected by recent flooding, conveying condolences for the loss of life. He met with officials of Konjic and Jablanica as well as representatives of civil society organizations recognizing their important role in both immediate disaster response and long-term recovery. In addition to supporting country’s disaster risk reduction efforts and strengthening its resilience, the OSCE provided immediate humanitarian assistance to help mitigate the impact of the devastating floods.

During his visit, CiO Borg also met with the OSCE Troika and members of the International Community in Sarajevo, emphasizing the importance of a co-ordinated approach to fostering progress, security, and political stability in BiH.

A Legal Clinic was inaugurated today at the University of Elbasan, in which lecturers and fifth-year law students will offer free legal advice to people in need. The establishment of the legal clinic was made possible thanks to a two-year co-operation between the University and the OSCE Presence in Albania, which, among others, donated computers, law literature and organized training sessions for the engaged students.

The clinic will also serve students, helping them put into practice the knowledge accumulated during the learning process.

“Through involvement in the clinic, you will develop not just as future lawyers, but as compassionate advocates for justice. You have the power to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families in need,” the Head of OSCE Presence, Ambassador Michel Tarran, told the students.

The Legal Clinic will offer the following services: informing the citizens about the applicable legislation, and about their rights and responsibilities; guiding the citizens on how to act while solving legal disputes; helping them draft letters addressed to the institutions with which they are in conflict; as well as helping citizens fill out the forms needed to make use of this service.

Primary legal aid is a free legal service, guaranteed by the state, for disputes that can be resolved out of the courts. Free primary legal aid is available to all economically vulnerable citizens, and to those who belong to special categories, such as victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking, minors, persons with disabilities and beneficiaries of social welfare.

On 11 November 2024, North Macedonia, as Chair of the OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group, hosted the fifth OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group meeting in collaboration with the Republic of Korea. The meeting, titled “The Outcomes of the Seoul 2024 REAIM Summit on the Responsible Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain,” took place in Vienna.

The meeting brought together representatives from OSCE participating States and Asian Partners for Co-operation to explore the transformative impact and security implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military domain. Opening remarks were delivered by Adelina Marku, Deputy Permanent Representative of North Macedonia to the OSCE, Ambassador Sangwook Ham, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the OSCE, Lieutenant Colonel Christian Zammit Cordina, representing the Maltese OSCE Chairpersonship, and Colonel (Ret.) Robin Mossinkoff, Chief Communications and Technology Unit of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center.

The thematic session, moderated by Ambassador Véronique Pépin-Hallé of Canada focused on critical topics including advantages and challenges in AI deployment in the military sector, international security implications, and the need for cooperative governance frameworks. The key speakers, Jiyoung Yun, Director of the Disarmament and Non-proliferation Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, and Eline Bötger Senior Policy Officer for New Technologies, Security Policy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, addressed the process and the outcomes from the 2024 Seoul REAIM Summit.

The panel discussions featured experts, including Neil Davison from the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Caroline Wörgötter from Austria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Jan Ganschow from Germany’s Ministry of Defence, and Dr. Zena Assaad from the Australian Army Research Center. They shared insights on responsible development, deployment and use of AI in the military domain, offering considerations on legal, humanitarian and ethical implications and the importance of co-operative efforts to appropriate normative frameworks to ensure international peace and stability.

On 30 October 2024, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings hosted a workshop on “Addressing trafficking in persons belonging to minorities through strengthened police-public partnerships.” The event aimed to deepen understanding on specific challenges victims of trafficking belonging to minorities face when accessing protection services, assistance and legal remedies.

The event brought together over 60 participants, including representatives of OSCE field operations, participating States delegations, law enforcement and criminal justice actors, representatives from civil society and survivors.

Discussions focused on how human rights-based police responses can ensure that victims of trafficking belonging to minorities can access protection and justice on an equal basis with others.

Experts emphasized the importance of strengthening police-public partnerships to effectively identify, prevent and respond to trafficking, noting how community policing approaches can increase trust between law enforcement and minority communities.

In her opening remarks, Dr Kari Johnstone, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, underlined that “human trafficking is not just a crime of exploitation but also one of profound inequality. We know that traffickers deliberately target and exploit those with increased vulnerabilities, and there is perhaps no more vulnerable population than minorities - whether defined by ethnicity, race, religion, or legal status.”

Sami Ryhaenen, Head of the Strategic Police Matters Unit, highlighted that “human rights-based police responses can play a pivotal role in ensuring that victims of trafficking belonging to minorities are able to access protection and justice on an equal basis with others. Fostering dialogue among institutions and strengthening police-public partnerships have a crucial role to play in building stronger bonds with communities and preventing crime.”

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Marek Szczygiel, Director and Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities emphasized that “given the multifaced dimension of human trafficking, a cross-institutional approach is essential to effectively address the many different layers of this serious crime.”

Peter Mossop, Special Adviser and Director’s Representative in Vienna of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, added that “discrimination or negative experiences with law enforcement, secondary victimization, fear of reprisals, and lack of information about legal rights may result in reduced reporting of crimes, making victims belonging to minorities less visible in the systems meant to protect them.”

The event drew on the findings of the recent report Addressing the Dynamics of Trafficking in Persons Belonging to Minorities, Including National Minorities, published by the Office of Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, as well as the OSCE guide on Good Practices in Building Police-Public Partnerships, published by the Strategic Police Matters Unit.

WARSAW, 15 November 2024 – Making the bias motivation behind all hate crimes visible and ensuring they are prosecuted correctly is essential to protect the rights of victims and at the same time ensure effective policies to prevent and address hate crime, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on launching its annual hate crime report ahead of the 2024 International Day for Tolerance. 

“ODIHR’s hate crime report is the largest dataset on hate crime in the world, and it is used across the OSCE region to develop truly effective responses to hate crime. All OSCE states have committed to combating hate crime, and supporting them in this endeavour is a key area of ODIHR’s work,” said Tea Jaliashvili, ODIHR Director’s Alternate and First Deputy Director. “We are also grateful to all our civil society partners for the information they provide us each year. Civil society plays a vital role in addressing intolerance across the OSCE region, and is therefore an invaluable partner for states in responding to all forms of hatred.”

48 OSCE states reported hate crime data for this year’s update, while civil society from across the OSCE region reported close to 10,000 cases. The report indicates once again that many gaps remain in the prosecution of hate crimes. Incomplete or inadequate legislation is a major obstacle for prosecutors, and means that some hate crimes are not investigated as such or are incorrectly prosecuted as “hate speech” offences. This can render hate crimes invisible, leaving victims without support or access to their rights and leading to misinformed policy and legal responses.

To help close these gaps, ODIHR has published a practical guide entitled Hate Crime Prosecution at the Intersection of Hate Crime and Criminalized “Hate Speech”, which draws on laws and practice from across the OSCE region. ODIHR’s new resource will support the effective prosecution of hate crime offences by guiding prosecutors to select the correct charge, coordinate with police and work with courts to take bias motivations into consideration and pass tougher sentences. The guide can also be used by decision makers as they assess the effectiveness of policies, practices and legislation to address hate crime, as well as by civil society organizations in their advocacy and legal assistance activities.  

All OSCE states have committed to ensuring an effective criminal justice response to hate crime. This includes the necessity of distinguishing hate crimes from “hate speech” to allow for their effective investigation and prosecution.

ODIHR works to combat hate crime across the OSCE region through a holistic approach that includes a wide range of activities, from training for law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and civil society, to support for victims to ensure they receive the assistance they require. ODIHR’s hate crime report is updated each year with data and information provided by states, civil society and international organizations. More information on the Office’s resources to address hate crime is available here.

On 7 and 8 November 2024, the School of Magistrates, in close co-operation with the OSCE Presence in Albania, organized a training on investigation and adjudication of criminal offences related to public procurement.

The training was designed based of the areas of interest expressed by prosecutors of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) and judges of the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime, who were also the main beneficiaries of this activity.

The training programme aimed at boosting up the overall capacities of SPAK prosecutors and special courts to conduct criminal investigations against high-level corruption and transnational organized crime groups.

“This training helps magistrates to be equipped with specialized knowledge in this field and to make informed decisions in cases involving procurement disputes or offenses, in order to foster a judiciary that is not only knowledgeable, but also capable of upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness in public procurement processes. Moreover, the effective adjudication of public procurement offenses is vital for combating corruption and promoting good governance. We hope that the effectiveness of the training will be seen in the exercise of their duties in their everyday work,” said Director of the School of Magistrates Arben Rakipi while opening the event.

“Improved and enhanced investigation and adjudication by SPAK bodies of public procurement offences is paramount to ensure accountability, transparency and to combat impunity. The Presence remains a steadfast supporter of the SPAK anti-corruption and organized crime bodies, in particular the courts and prosecution services. We will continue to support the consolidation and efficient functioning of justice institutions,” said Head of Presence Ambassador Michel Tarran.

The event – which was a continuation of last year’s training – focused on topics, such as risks associated with procurement procedures, legal novelties, special techniques in investigating criminal offences related to public procurement, concessions/public private partnerships, sharing of best national and international practices in this field and through international co-operation. Case studies were also discussed. 

This activity was held as part of the Presence’s support for Albania to further advance the implementation of the anti-corruption reform and consolidate rule of law, key justice institutions and civil society organizations.

Senior officers from Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service participated in a study visit to Madrid, Spain, from 4 to 7 November 2024. The study visit was organized by the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, in close co-operation with the Spanish National Police, for fourteen representatives - including seven women and seven men. The visit focused on national travel documents, including how Spain issues and prints their national passports, methods of detecting forgeries at their borders, digital identity, and methods of risk analysis to identify trends in use of forged travel documents.

The delegation explored how Spain manages its national travel documents, with insights into the issuance and printing processes of Spanish passports. They also learned methods for detecting forged documents at border checkpoints, explored the growing use of digital identity, and examined analytical approaches to identify trends in document fraud.

The four-day visit featured a visit to the National Coordination Center for Border Posts (CEFRONT) where participants gained an understanding of the center's organizational structure and unit coordination, and discussed some key lessons learned on co-ordination of border crossing points. The group of visiting border guards also received an overview of the risk analysis strategies and methodology used by the Spanish National Police to counter irregular migration and use of forged travel documents.

The Ukrainian officers visited several critical sites, including the Documentation Division, where they observed the passport issuance process in real-time, as well as the operations of Mobile Documentation Units. The delegation also toured Spain’s National Mint and Stamp Factory, Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT), where Spanish passports and other secure documents are produced.

The study visit concluded with a comprehensive tour of Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), one of Europe's busiest airports. Here, the Ukrainian officers had the opportunity to observe the airport’s border control operations, focusing on first- and second-line document checks, automated e-gates, and staffing considerations. The practices they observed at MAD are expected to inform Ukraine's preparations for the eventual return of civil aviation to Ukraine’s skies.

The study visit was held in close co-operation with the Permanent Mission of Spain to the OSCE and the Spanish National Police. It was the last part of the 2024 training cycle for the fourteen border guards, who had previously completed an OSCE Training of Trainers course in August 2024.

These study and training activities are part of an ongoing project supporting OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation in reducing the illegal crossing of borders by using a fake or stolen identity. This project is generously funded by the United States.

On 7 and 8 November 2024 the 8th Annual Passenger Data Seminar took place in Vienna, Austria. The event was organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). The seminar was organized back-to-back with the 4th Annual Meeting of the Eastern European Informal Working Group on Passenger Data.

The Passenger Data Seminar provided participants with the opportunity to discuss new avenues for co-operation in implementing passenger data programmes, sharing good practices in legislation, including human rights implications, operations and security analysis. They also explored the future use of passenger data systems across different transport modes, including maritime, railway and road transport.

“With the expected growth in air traffic and the continuous threat posed by terrorism, measures such as utilizing Advance Passenger Information systems play a critical role in expediting border checks. They enhance the capabilities of national law enforcement agencies to combat irregular immigration, interdict travel of potential terrorists and individuals potentially engaged in transnational organized crime. This ensures both national and travel security,” said Lieutenant Colonel Christian Zammit-Cordina, Head of Politico-military dimension of the Delegation of Malta to the OSCE on behalf of the 2024 OSCE Chair-in-Office.

The main purpose of the event is to further support participating States in developing Advance Passenger Information (API) systems and provide opportunities to identify potential partnerships.

At this year’s seminar, a particular emphasis was put on data privacy, the role of data protection officers, and conducting privacy impact assessments. A separate session was dedicated to the role of networking and Informal Working Groups.

This event was the sixth consecutive joint seminar organized by the OSCE and UNOCT and it is a direct result of the OSCE-UNOCT Biennial Action Plan for 2022-2024 signed in September 2022. 

The Eastern European Informal Working Group (EE IWG) on Passenger Data was established in 2021 as a platform for technical exchange on methodologies in traveler data collection, technologies development, new applications of passenger data frameworks and exploring security analyses across different modes of travel. It includes: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, Mongolia, North Macedonia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Serbia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Israel.

Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final report and recommendations of the observation mission to the June local elections in Serbia during a visit to Belgrade from 23 to 26 September 2024.

“I am encouraged to see the momentum for electoral reform continuing, as there are a number of ODIHR recommendations still to address from June and other recent elections, ,” said Ambassador Lamberto Zannier, Head of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission to the local elections. “ODIHR is ready to assist the efforts of the parliamentary working group and all others working to introduce the reforms necessary for future elections in Serbia to take place in line with international democratic standards.”

The ODIHR experts met with representatives of the Parliamentary Working Group on Improving the Electoral Process, the Republican Election Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the parliament and of other government ministries and agencies, as well as civil society organizations, journalists’ associations, and the international community.

ODIHR welcomed the current efforts to reform various laws governing the electoral process in Serbia, and urged the government, parliamentary parties and other stakeholders to continue this process while there is sufficient time before the next elections. ODIHR drew attention to the need to address its priority recommendations, including those related to separation of state and party, the inclusiveness and comprehensiveness of electoral reform, audit of the voter register and transparency of voter list data, greater oversight of election campaigns and their financing, and measures to enable media freedom and independence.

The authorities discussed ODIHR’s potential engagement in providing legal and technical expertise to assist in implementing these recommendations, including through reviews of draft amendments to legislation, regular participation in the working group on improving the electoral process; and technical assistance to state institutions involved in election management and oversight.

All 57 participating States of the OSCE have formally committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations. Further information on previous ODIHR recommendations and an assessment of the extent to which they have been implemented so far through changes in legislation, procedures and practices can be found on p.27 of the final report. The ODIHR Electoral Recommendations Database also tracks the implementation of previous recommendations across the OSCE region.

On 7 and 8 September in Skopje, North Macedonia, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with OSCE Mission to Skopje, organized a training course on understanding the linkages between violent misogyny, violent extremism, and gender. This course is part of the OSCE’s ongoing efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT).

The training course brought together approximately 20 participants including government officials and policymakers from the security, education and media sectors, as well as civil society representatives, media professionals and community and religious leaders.

The event focused on addressing challenges in the digital information landscape as they relate to violent extremism and violent misogyny. The participants discussed the links between gender, violent misogyny and violent extremism online, with the aim to advance gender-responsive and comprehensive approaches to P/CVERLT.

Key aspects of the training course were tailored specifically to North Macedonia’s needs. This included building resilience to online disinformation and exploitation by violent extremists of targeted narratives, raising awareness of the misuse of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, and discussing how gender stereotypes and violent misogyny have been found to play an important role in the process of radicalization to violence.

"In the era of digital information disorder, fake news and artificial intelligence, improving media and information literacy is key to addressing the links between violent misogyny, violent extremism, and gender, enabling communities to critically engage with information and create a safer society. It is essential to enable continuous education for all, especially for young people,” said Pavle Trajanov, National Coordinator for Countering Violent Extremism and Counter-Terrorism of the Republic of North Macedonia in his opening remarks.

This training course is part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project INFORMED and supported the OSCE's ongoing efforts to advance gender-responsive and evidence-based P/CVERLT programming, building on the OSCE Policy Brief – Linkages between Violent Misogyny and Violent Extremism. The policy brief recommends governmental and non-governmental stakeholders the ways to enhance the understanding of how power relations, generally, and violent misogyny, specifically, play a role in the radicalization to violence across the ideological spectrum of violent extremism. It also notes the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to identifying ways to address this issue, including in the online space.

From 5 to 8 November, the OSCE gathered representatives of Moldovan law enforcement agencies in a series of meetings to strengthen their capabilities in detecting and investigating illicit trafficking, with a focus on small arms and light weapons (SALW).

The discussions included proposed amendments to the legislative framework and assessments of training and equipment needs for Moldovan law enforcement. These enhancements are expected to improve detection, search and seizure operations, elevating the quality of investigations and evidence-gathering in SALW trafficking cases.

Facilitated by the OSCE on 6 November, the second meeting of the inter-institutional working group included 19 representatives from the Ministry of Interior, General Police Inspectorate, the General Border Police Inspectorate, the Customs Service, and the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Serious Organized Crime and Special Cases. The group was established in September 2024 as part of Moldova's National Action Plan for EU Accession (2024-2027) and aims to align the national legal framework with EU standards. Insights from this meeting will guide legislative and regulatory analyses and support amendments to bolster the authorities’ operational efficiency.

To evaluate detection and investigation capacities of illicit trafficking, particularly SALW-related, the OSCE conducted various on-site assessments at the General Police Inspectorate’s Forensic and Judicial Expertise Centre and regional police stations, focusing on the equipment needed for effective operations. The OSCE collaborated with international partners such as the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX).

These activities are funded by the UK Government as part of the “Support to the Law Enforcement Agencies in Moldova in Response to the Security Challenges in the Region” extra-budgetary project.

From 31 October to 2 November 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD), in co-operation with the Republican Training and Methodological Centre (RTMC) of the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defence (CoESCD), conducted a comprehensive training course in Khujand. This initiative brought together 20 participants, including seven women and 13 men, who were branch heads and instructors from various districts in the Sughd region.

The training aimed to enhance the participants' understanding of the updated curricula and methodological guides developed by the RTMC, which were printed with the support of POiD. In addition to theoretical knowledge, participants received practical guidance from RTMC instructors on how to integrate these updates into their educational work plans, ultimately enriching the overall teaching process.

“Training is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about empowering individuals to respond effectively in times of crisis. By investing in the education of our instructors, we are building a resilient foundation for our communities and ensuring they are prepared for any emergency," said Lieutenant Colonel Jamshed Kuchakov, Deputy Head of the CoESD branch in the Sughd region. "This initiative is an important step in fostering a culture of safety and preparedness in our society,” added Kuchakov.

This training course marks the third initiative organized by POiD this year to support CoESD. These activities align with the strategic objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and Tajikistan’s Mid-Term State Programme for the Protection of Population and Territories from Emergency Situations for 2023-2028.

From 4 to 7 November 2024, prosecutors of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) and high officials of the Albanian State Police conducted a study visit to Italy focused on operational aspects of financial investigations. The visit was curated by the Italian Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate (DIA) and organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania, the Italian State Police Security Expert and the Guardia di Finanza Expert from the Italian Embassy in Tirana, as well as the Italian Service for International Police Co-operation. The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the Transnational Threats Department of the OSCE Secretariat contributed to the organization of the visit.

The main objective of the visit was to support the Albanian State Police and SPAK’s Special Prosecution Office in their activities to combat money laundering of illegally acquired capital and implementing asset recovery measures with a view to strengthening and reinforcing the fight against transnational organized crime.

In his welcoming address to the delegation, DIA Director Commander General of Guardia di Finanza Michele Carbone underlined the importance of these activities to strengthen co-operation in combating organized crime and identifying illicitly-gained assets.

The activity reaffirmed the effectiveness of actions to combat organized crime within the framework of co-operation between the two OSCE participating States.

The visit was part of the OSCE Presence’s project “Supporting Albanian law enforcement agencies to tackle serious and organized crime effectively and improve regional co-operation V”. It was also conducted in connection to and with support from the OSCE’s regional project “Strengthening asset recovery efforts in the OSCE region” funded by Austria, Germany, Italy and the United States of America.