The Regional Steering Group on Small Arms and Light Weapons takes Stock of Achievements, Sets Annual Objectives and Reaffirms Commitment to SALW Control and Regional Security
On March 5, 2025, the Regional Steering Group (RSG) on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Southeast Europe held its annual online meeting, co-chaired by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The RSG, that provides strategic guidance and ensures regional ownership, is an essential part of SEESAC’s governance structure. This year’s meeting gathered close to 100 participants from Southeast and East Europe, including representatives from the European Union (EEAS, EU Delegations in Pristina, Sarajevo, Skopje, Tirana and the EU Advisory Mission in Kyiv), Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway, the United States, UNDP Country Offices, UNODC, UNODA, OSCE missions, and other international and regional partners such as EMPACT, INTERPOL, the Flemish Peace Institute, RACVIAC, the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), and ITF Enhancing Human Security.
“Today’s meeting should reaffirm our shared commitment to ensuring that SEESAC’s work continues to reflect national priorities and responds effectively to evolving security challenges” said Ms. Ivana Živković, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, in her opening statement.
Mr. Umut Ergezer, Deputy Secretary General of the RCC, praised the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap as a global best practice, acknowledging SEESAC’s impactful regional efforts. “By strengthening partnerships, deepening cooperation, and continuously adapting to emerging challenges, we are reinforcing the foundation for a future defined by safety and stability.” Mr. Ergezer highlighted.
Speaking on behalf of the EU, Ms. Lene L. Hove Rietveld, Policy Adviser at the European External Action Service, reaffirmed the EU’s dedication to supporting SEESAC’s work in advancing regional security and stability and bringing the region closer to EU integration.
“The European Union remains committed to working alongside our partners in Southeast and East Europe, SEESAC, and other international partners to tackle the common security challenges.” Ms. Hove Rietveld concluded.
SEESAC Project Manager, Ms. Bojana Balon, highlighted the complexity of SEESAC’s work in SALW control throughout the region, describing SEESAC’s support to the authorities across all functional areas of SALW control including for legal and policy development, institutional and capacity building, awareness raising, gender mainstreaming, and regional cooperation.
Key 2024 achievements included over €3.3 million in equipment provided to border police, and €2.1 million allocated to support criminal police units across the Western Balkans.
A key milestone in gender mainstreaming was the publishing of two guidelines: Assessing and Addressing Firearms Misuse in Domestic Violence and Gender-Responsive Firearms License Approval.
Support to public engagement initiatives included campaigns addressing firearms misuse and efforts against pyrotechnics misuse. SEESAC’s research activities continued to offer valuable insights, including publications on 3D-printed firearms, and Western Balkans-originating hand grenades, along with a best practice manual for forensic investigations.
Participating national authorities emphasized the importance of SEESAC’s work in advancing progress related to the control of SALW, facilitating regional cooperation and sharing good practices.
In closing, Ms. Steliana Nedera, UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub Manager, commended the Western Balkans’ renewed commitment through the adoption of the Roadmap 2025-2030, ensuring continued progress in SALW control beyond 2024. Furthermore, Ms. Nedera expressed deep appreciation to donors, particularly the European Union, for their steadfast support, highlighting the Western Balkans SALW Control Multi-Partner Trust Fund as one of the key enablers of timely and targeted assistance to national authorities.
The meeting was organized with funding support from the European Union through EU Council Decision 2024/3006 in support of SEESAC disarmament and arms control activities in Southeast Europe, aimed at reducing the threat of illicit SALW and their ammunition.