Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap Local Coordination Meetings: Taking Stock of Progress, Challenges, and the Way Forward

Throughout June 2026, the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commissions in Belgrade, Podgorica, Pristina, Sarajevo, and Skopje convened the 15th round of the Local Coordination Meetings on the implementation of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to arms control in the Western Balkans.

In the presence of donors and partners, the SALW Commissions shared progress achieved, alongside challenges encountered and needs identified in the implementation of the Roadmap’s Goals. Key contributions focused on the harmonization of the legal framework on SALW with the EU Acquis, the operationalization of existing Firearm Focal Points, the fight against firearm trafficking, the prevention of firearms misuse and illegal possession through awareness-raising activities, the reduction of firearms in civilian possession, and the decrease of stockpiles of confiscated, collected, and surplus weapons, ammunition, and explosives.  

International organizations and donors shared their updates on current and future work and contributions in support of the authorities across each jurisdiction to combat the proliferation and illicit trafficking of firearms.

High-level representatives from EU Delegations, the embassies of Germany, and the embassies of France in each jurisdiction participated and addressed the opening sessions.

SEESAC presented the findings from the 15th progress reports on the implementation of the Roadmap, submitted by the authorities of each jurisdiction, including the Narrative Progress report for the period 01 July – 31 December 2025, and the Key Performance Indicators report covering 01 January – 31 December 2025.    

Following the Local Coordination Meetings, the SALW Commissions travel to Podgorica to attend the 15th Regional Coordination Meeting on 8-9 July, to share their achievements on the Roadmap implementation with their counterparts from the region, regional and international organizations and partners, and donors. 

The organization of these meetings is supported with funding from the European Union through its Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2587 in support of SEESAC for the implementation of the Regional Roadmap on combating illicit arms trafficking in the Western Balkans and in support of disarmament and arms control activities in South-East and East Europe.