SALW Control Roadmap 2030
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EMPACT FIA 2024 - OA 6.3 (FRONTEX)

Duration

2022- ongoing

Beneficiary/ies

WB jurisdictions, EUBAM MD/UA, Moldova, Ukraine, EU Member States 

Donor/s

European Union

Funding Amount

N/A

Funding gaps (if any)

N/A

Objective/s

  • Collection of materials from partners on firearms and ammunition trafficking seizures for possible updates of the WB version of the handbook.
  • Organization of workshops concentrated upon developing capacity building activities linked to the regional Western Balkan version of the Handbook on firearms, such as firearms detection course and Train the Trainer to be applied at the BCP levels.
  • Translation and distribution of the Western Balkans version of the handbook in the respective languages.
  • To explore possibilities for further updates/versions of the Handbook on Firearms for Border Guards and Customs especially in relation to specific modus operandi in cooperation with SEESAC, Border Police forces and Customs authorities and based on the results of the operations implemented under EMPACT Firearms and emerging threats from border perspective as well as based on regular contributions from Border and Customs authorities.
  • Using and testing the Handbook in operational actions, including EMPACT Firearms Priority related in order to apply in the field and gather feedback for further possible developments.
  • Collection of the data related to the firearms trafficking cases in WB via WB-RAN created by Frontex.

Contributing to the Roadmap goal/s

Goal 3 - By 2024, significantly reduce illicit flows of firearms, ammunition and explosives (FAE) into, within and beyond the Western Balkans. 

Contributing to the Roadmap overall targets

Goal 3: Prevent trafficking (smuggling, illicit trade and transit) of FAE through improved processes, equipment and training of targeted law enforcement units.

Key activities implemented up to date

  • Finalization and distribution of the regional WB version of the Handbook on Firearms for Border Guards and Customs in PDF and hard copies to all WB jurisdictions in coordination with SEESAC.
  • Beginning of translation of the Handbook into the respective WB languages with the support of SEESAC.
  • Workshop on new challenges in countering firearms trafficking (including impact and the potential threat of the weapons trafficking from Ukraine and the nexus between firearms trafficking, illicit possession and migrant smuggling in the Western Balkans (Belgrade, 4-5 May 2023).
  • Firearms Detection Courses (FDC) for WB jurisdictions implemented in coordination with SEESAC as follows:
    • 12-16 June 2023, Kupari, Croatia - FDC for BA,
    • 19-23 June 2023, Kupari, Croatia - FDC for RS officers,
    • 10-14 July 2023, Zagreb, Croatia - FDC for AL/XK* officers (joint activity),
    • 17-21 July 2023, Zagreb, Croatia - FDC for MK officers,
    • 23-27 October 2023, Kupari, Croatia - FDC for ME officers.
  • Workshops on Vehicle Concealments held in Brussels, 24-25 September 2024.

Main challenges encountered

Insufficient human resources to implement further dedicated activities for WB, e.g. Firearms Detection Courses.