SEESAC takes part in NATO’s Structured Information Exchange on SALW

On 15-16 April, the NATO International Staff organized the Structured Information Exchange (SIE) meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Mine Action within the framework Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. Held every 18 months, SIE meetings are designed to provide the opportunity for nations to consult and coordinate on bilateral and multilateral SALW-related efforts.  As the regional initiative tasked with implementing and coordinating SALW issues in South East Europe, SEESAC took part in the event and was represented by Dr. Ivan Zverzhanovski and Ms. Tamara Svircev.

Over the course of five sessions held in two days, countries receiving support for and implementing SALW project presented their national priorities in this area. Furthermore, recipient and donor countries, as well as regional and international organizations implementing SALW related activities, were able to share detailed and focused information on current and upcoming projects related to SALW and ammunition surplus reduction.  

The exchange allowed for the identification of potential duplication of efforts and highlighting of opportunities for cooperation, thus facilitating the enhancement of project efficiency and effectiveness, both practically and financially.

SEESAC boasts a decade-long track-record of supporting nations of the Western Balkans in their efforts to control SALW and their ammunition. Most recently, with funds provided through the EU Council Decision 2010/179/CFSP, SEESAC supported public campaigns that aim to raise awareness about the dangers of SALW among the local population, collection and destruction of illegal and unwanted SALW, efficient registration and tracking of SALW currently in use, as well as better management and storage of the existing stockpiles throughout the Western Balkans.