High-level Police and Customs Cooperation Conference on Small Arms and Light Weapons and Migrant Smuggling in South Eastern Europe

During the week of 04 to 08 November 2024, regional law enforcement agencies from the Western Balkan six countries and international leaders gathered in Skopje for a High-Level Police and Customs Cooperation Conference addressing the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons and migrant smuggling in South-Eastern Europe. The event sought to strengthen cross-border collaboration and efforts against organized crime through enhanced police and customs partnerships.

The conference was a joint initiative under the OSCE Mission to Skopje’s Extrabudgetary Project titled “Assisting the National Authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia to Decrease the Risk of Weapon Proliferation and Misuse of SALW” and the EU4FAST Project, which underscores the region’s priority in addressing security threats. This critical gathering brought together representatives from national governments, international organizations, law enforcement agencies, and customs authorities.

Multi-donor Support for Regional Security
The SALW Project, with a total budget of 8,059,445 EUR, co-funded by Belgium, the European Union, France, Germany, Norway, Slovakia, and the United States, is a testament to the international community’s commitment to fighting the illegal proliferation of weapons and combating organized crime in the Western Balkans. Their contributions support the shared vision of enhancing regional security, which is a crucial step toward global stability.

Strategic Cooperation and Best Practices
Throughout the three-day conference, participants tackled key issues, including harmonizing legal and procedural frameworks, integrating advanced technology for real-time information sharing, and improving cross-border cooperation. Emphasizing the importance of systemic approaches, experts proposed measures to enhance operational efficiency and ensure sustainable progress in tackling organized crime.

Proposed initiatives included supporting Police and Customs Cooperation Centers at high-risk borders, creating centralized databases to facilitate seamless data sharing across jurisdictions, and aligning customs and police efforts with regional security frameworks.

The adoption of advanced technologies for real-time information sharing emerged as a priority. Tools like EUROPOL’s Secure Information Exchange Network Application (SIENA) were highlighted as essential for dismantling transnational smuggling networks and improving intelligence sharing between police and customs authorities.

Emerging Challenges in the Fight Against SALW
The conference spotlighted emerging threats, including the rise of 3D-printed weapons, weapon modifications, and increasingly sophisticated smuggling routes. To counter these threats, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening regional and global partnerships, investing in capacity-building, and developing resilient systems capable of adapting to evolving criminal tactics.

A Unified Commitment to Security
The event underlined the importance of coordinated efforts between regional authorities, international partners, and dedicated organizations to disrupt criminal networks. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, the Mission and the national and regional authorities aim to ensure a safer and more secure South-Eastern Europe.

As the conference concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing strategic and operational solutions to address the complexities of SALW proliferation and migrant smuggling, building a unified front against organized crime.