Regional Workshop for Border Officials of Western Balkans

On 23-24 November 2021 SEESAC jointly with FRONTEX organized an online gathering of Western Balkan Border and Custom officials.

This regional workshop is an additional step in SEESAC support to the capacity development of authorities to further strengthen border control as one of the central requirements for a comprehensive approach towards combating illicit trade and flows of firearms, essential components, ammunition and explosives in the Western Balkans.

During the workshop, participants were presented with risks and new technologies in the field of SALW that were identified in the EU as well as with potential vulnerabilities these risks could present to the WB jurisdictions

Further to the meeting, FRONTEX presented the new Common Integrated Risk Analysis Model (CIRAM) as a conceptual framework for the preparation of risk analyses as a key tool in ensuring the optimal allocation of available resources.

The main focus of the workshop was to jointly work and discuss towards finalization of the draft “Handbook on Firearms for Border Guards and Customs Officers for the Western Balkans". The workshop was an opportunity for another glance at all the chapters and further comments and suggestions by present counterparts. These interactive sessions brought up vivid and constructive discussions between th participants but also brought a new light to certain segments and contributed to final fine shaping of the document.

Handbook on Firearms for Border Guards and Customs Officers for the Western Balkans, developed by FRONTEX with SEESAC’s support, is being created to enable better profiling, improved control measures and increased awareness of the various modalities of arms trafficking with a focus on smuggling methods, as well as guidelines on security measures that should be taken into consideration by the officers handling the firearms and ammunition detected at the borders.

This regional gathering was organized within the implementation of the European Union Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/2111 in support of SEESAC’s disarmament and arms control activities in South-East Europe.

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