Progress in the implementation of the Western Balkan SALW Control Roadmap

During June 2025, Local Coordination Meetings were organized by the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Commissions in Belgrade, Podgorica, Sarajevo, Tirana, Pristina and Skopje. These meetings were held in the framework of the implementation of the Roadmap on a sustainable solution to arms control in the Western Balkans (Roadmap).

During this 13th round of meetings, the SALW Commissions presented updates on progress, challenges, and needs in line with the Roadmap’s Goals, including a review of the key achievements during the first phase of implementation of the Roadmap from 2019-2024. International organizations and donors also shared their updates on current and planned contributions to combating the proliferation and illicit trafficking of SALW in the region.

The meetings highlighted key achievements and identified areas needing further progress, including the harmonization of the legal framework with the EU Acquis, compliance with the UN Firearms Protocol, the operationalization of Firearms Focal Points, and the strengthening of capacities for detection and investigation of firearms related crimes.

High-level representatives from EU Delegations across the region, as well as the Embassies of Germany and France in each jurisdiction, took part and addressed the opening sessions.

SEESAC presented during these meetings the key findings from the 13th Progress reports of the Roadmap, including Narrative report and Key Performance Indicators Report for each jurisdiction as prepared by the authorities.

Following these Local Coordination Meetings, SALW Commission representatives will gather on 8-9 July 2025, for the 13th Regional Coordination Meeting.

The organization of these meetings is supported with funding from the European Union through its Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2321 in support of SEESAC for the implementation of the Regional Roadmap on combating illicit arms trafficking in the Western Balkans.