Regional Insights, Global Relevance: 21st SALW Commissions Meeting
On 10 July 2025, the 21st Regional Meeting of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Commissions was held in Sarajevo, bringing together representatives from SALW Commissions and institutions from Belgrade, Chișinău, Kyiv, Podgorica, Pristina, Sarajevo, Skopje, and Tirana.
Organized with the support of the European Union, the meeting featured a comprehensive agenda and expert contributions from the European Commission, UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), UK National Crime Agency, and SEESAC’s research team. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions aimed at further strengthening institutional and strategic responses to SALW control and addressing the misuse and trafficking of illicit firearms.
One of the key themes of the meeting was the European Union’s evolving firearms regulatory framework. The European Commission presented updates on the challenges posed by illicit firearms trafficking and outlined current legislative responses, upcoming evaluation of firearms and pyrotechnics directives, evaluation of the EU Firearms Trafficking Action Plan as well as the proposal on restrictions related to the use of lead in ammunition, due to both environmental and public health concerns.
As jurisdictions across the region are currently engaged in developing or updating their SALW control strategies for the period until 2030, the meeting provided the opportunity to introduce the participants to the application of force field analysis - a structured method for developing and monitoring a strategy through the driving and restraining forces that shape arms control.
SEESAC also presented the preliminary findings of its regional study on the factors fueling the demand for firearms in the Western Balkans. The study identified the risk and protective factors behind firearm possession and was conducted using a mixed methodology involving literature review, perception and distribution surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews throughout the region. The preliminary findings will be shared with jurisdictions for review and feedback, with the final report expected to further inform evidence-based strategic planning on SALW control.
The delegation from Honduras contributed valuable perspectives informing on challenges and progress in countering armed violence and sharing their experiences in community-level violence prevention initiatives. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of SALW Commissions and international partners to working together in building safer and more secure societies, regionally and beyond.
The 21st Regional SALW Commission Meeting was organized with the financial support of the European Union, through Council Decision 2024/3006 in support of SEESAC disarmament and arms control activities in South-East Europe reducing the threat of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition.