Central Europe

Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

The OSCE Moscow Mechanism mission of experts undertaken by Professor Hervé Ascensio, Professor Veronika Bílková and Professor Mark Klamberg presented their findings to the OSCE Permanent Council on 25 September 2025, collected in the report entitled ‘Report on Possible Violations and Abuses of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity, Related to the Treatment of Ukrainian POWs by the Russian Federation’.

The three experts were selected after 41 OSCE participating States, following consultation with Ukraine, invoked the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism on 24 July 2025 to “build upon previous findings, and: [t]o establish the facts and circumstances surrounding possible contraventions of relevant OSCE commitments; violations and abuses of human rights; and violations of IHL, including possible cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity, related to the treatment of Ukrainian POWs by the Russian Federation; [t]o collect, consolidate, and analyze this information including to determine if there is a pattern of widespread and systematic torture, ill-treatment and execution of Ukrainian POWs and soldiers hors de combat and/or at detention facilities by the Russian Federation in the temporarily occupied territories and in Russia; and [t]o offer recommendations on relevant accountability mechanisms”.

The Mechanism, established by all OSCE participating States in 1991, allows for one or more participating States to request ODIHR to “inquire of another participating State whether it would agree to invite a mission of experts to address a particular, clearly defined question on its territory relating to the human dimension”.

The Permanent Council is one of the OSCE’s main decision-making bodies, and convenes each week in Vienna to discuss developments in the OSCE area and make decisions on future activities.

The observations of the mission of experts are available here.

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On 24 and 25 September 2025, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, with support from the OSCE Secretariat’s Action Against Terrorism Unit, held a training course on media and information literacy in preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

The training supported the Centre’s P/CVERLT efforts by addressing the challenges stemming from the digital ‘information disorder’, in the context of P/CVERLT. Over the two days, participants discussed and were introduced to tools that can help increase media literacy and thinking skills, incl. regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI), and build resilience to violent extremist and other harmful content. The training also focused on ways to address violent extremist and other illegal content online, while upholding fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression. The training course brough together over twenty participants, including students from universities in Ashgabat as well as representatives of the Youth Union, the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan and a number of local public organizations and media.

Through presentations from international and local experts as well as a number of hands-on exercises in working groups, the training fostered multi-stakeholder co-operation while providing participants with the tools and practical skills to address the misuse of online platforms for VERLT.

“In the context of global information flows and emerging new technologies, the rapidly changing information environment create a source of serious security threats,” said William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“Being active users of internet resources, teenagers and youth, may become an easy target for manipulation and aggressive influence by extremist groups,” added Leaf.

“The aim of this project is to increase youth resilience to violent extremism by enhancing their knowledge about media and information security,” he stressed.

The event follows the OSCE-organized training course on media literacy for representatives of Turkmenistan’s national media and state institutions, which took place on 16 and 17 September in Ashgabat and focused on current trends in the modern media environment. It builds on a curriculum developed under “INFORMED: Information and Media Literacy in Preventing Violent Extremism. Human Rights and Gender-Sensitive Approaches to Addressing the Digital Information Disorder".

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Representatives of the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan discussed best practices of establishing technological energy parks during an OSCE-organized study visit to Milan, Italy, that took place from 22 to 24 September 2025.

The experts from Turkmenistan held meetings with their counterparts from the EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre “Energy Efficiency and Renewables and the Polytechnic University of Milan. They discussed with their Italian counterparts the organizational, legal, engineering and technological dimensions related to the establishment and operation of technological energy parks.

“The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized this study visit as part of its co-operation with the government of Turkmenistan in the area of developing the renewable energy sector and energy-saving technologies,” said Olivera Zurovac-Kuzman, Economic and Environmental Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“We anticipate this visit offered a comprehensive platform for detailed discussions on various aspects of establishing technological energy parks and enhance the capacities of Turkmenistan’s experts in this cutting-edge field,” she added.

The delegation members had an opportunity to gain first-hand experiences of the operation of a technological energy park during a site visit to the Environment Park “Parco Scientifico Tecnologico per l’Ambiente” in Turin.

“This activity is particularly relevant, as Turkmenistan adopted the Law on Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency and is committed to implementing these measures,” emphasized Zurovac-Kuzman. “In this context, the visit to the technological energy parks serves as an extension of our ongoing support to the host country in advancing sustainable energy initiatives.”

The study visit was organized in co-operation with the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

598027

A two-day OSCE workshop in Baku, held on 24 and 25 September, brought together regulators, supervisory authorities, prosecutors, investigators, and other professionals to address money laundering risks linked to virtual assets and blockchain-based finance. The event aimed to strengthen Azerbaijan’s regulatory and enforcement capacities, while equipping participants with practical skills to respond to challenges in this rapidly evolving field.

The workshop combined introductory lectures with hands-on exercises. Participants opened and managed cryptocurrency wallets, traced simulated transactions, examined real case studies, and discussed legislative steps needed to strengthen regulation in Azerbaijan.

“Virtual assets and crypto currencies offer lots of benefits but they also can be used for criminal purposes that threaten the integrity of financial markets and the public interest,“ said Vera Strobachova-Budway, Head of the Economic Governance Unit at the OSCE Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), in her opening remarks.

“What makes these risks particularly complex is that they are cross-cutting and borderless. No single country or institution can address them alone. So, gatherings like today’s workshop are critical: they allow us to share perspectives, align approaches and build trust,” highlighted Fergus Auld OBE, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

OSCE experts introduced blockchain analytics tools, shared insights on emerging trends in virtual asset-related crime, and demonstrated how justice and regulatory institutions can better tackle these challenges.

The workshop concluded with a forward-looking discussion on Azerbaijan’s next steps in regulating virtual assets. Participants received OSCE certificates of completion.

The event was organized as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project, “Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets”, implemented by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. The project receives financial support from Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States.

598012 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 22 September 2025, an intensive three-week Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Level 1 training kicked off at the Regional Explosive Hazards Training Centre (REHTC) of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense.

The opening ceremony was attended by Tatiana Turcan, Acting Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe; Colonel Anvar Hasanzoda, Head of the Engineering Department of Tajikistan’s Ministry of Defense; Colonel Abdulmumin Asozoda, Director of the Tajikistan National Mine Action Center (TNMAC); Major Adrian Lane Savage, Deputy Chief of the Office of Military Cooperation of the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan; and Yoshiyuki Shiomi, Country Director of the Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD).

In their remarks, speakers emphasized the importance of regional co-operation in addressing explosive ordnance threats. They highlighted that joint action through knowledge-sharing, resource pooling and co-ordinated efforts strengthens the ability of Central Asian countries to work together toward a safer, mine-free future.

Supported by the OSCE and international partners, the training brings together 21 mine action professionals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Over the next three weeks, participants will receive a blend of theoretical instruction, practical field exercises and realistic simulations, equipping them with the skills to identify, manage and safely dispose of explosive ordnance.

This initiative directly contributes to community safety and regional stability while underscoring the OSCE’s long-standing commitment to supporting Central Asian countries in building a more secure future for generations to come.

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From 8 to 12 September 2025, in Sremska Kamenica (Serbia), the OSCE Transnational Threats Department/Strategic Police Matters Unit (TNTD/SPMU) organized a series of basic training courses on gender-responsive policing for violence against women and girls, in co-operation with the Basic Police Training Centre under the Ministry of the Interior of Serbia and the OSCE Mission to Serbia.

Over the course of one week, ten training sessions reached 656 police cadets, equipping future law enforcement professionals with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to cases of gender-based violence. The training emphasized a victim-centred and trauma-informed approach, highlighting the responsibilities of police to act with professionalism, empathy and respect for victims’ rights.

Based on the OSCE state-of-the-art curriculum on gender-responsive policing and delivered by national experts from law enforcement, the prosecution, social services, and civil society sector, the training addressed the root causes of gender-based violence, coercive control, and common myths and misconceptions. Sessions also covered the neurobiology of trauma, legal and institutional frameworks, risk assessment, victim safety and protection, and the importance of interagency co-operation.

To complement classroom sessions, the training course featured the theatre performance of “Lullaby Goodbye”, which dramatizes the real-life experience of a victim of online gender-based violence, raising awareness of this increasingly prevalent form of abuse.

The initiative was implemented as part of the OSCE efforts to promote gender-responsive policing and within the TNTD/SPMU project, “Enhancing Criminal Justice Capacities for Combating Gender-based Violence in South-Eastern Europe”, with the financial support from Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy and Norway.

597979

The OSCE Month of Borders was launched in September with a series of high-level events to mark 20 years since the adoption of the OSCE Border Security and Management Concept (BSM Concept) by the OSCE Ministerial Council in Ljubljana, Slovenia in 2005.

The Month’s opening session on 12 September highlighted two decades of the OSCE’s work on border security management. Speakers included Matti Sarasmaa, Permanent Secretary from the Finnish Ministry of the Interior, Ambassador Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats, Shawn Decaluwe, Deputy Director for Operations Service of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and Aleška Simkić, EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, who was the first Secretary of the Permanent Representation of Slovenia to the OSCE at the time of the adoption of the Concept. They underscored that the BSM Concept remains as relevant today as it was in 2005 and is a reflection of the OSCE’s continued commitment to peace and stability.

A panel at the opening session featured representatives of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, the Tajik Border Troops, the OSCE-Led Mobile Training Team and the Border Management Staff College who discussed emerging transnational threats, crisis response at the borders and human rights-based BSM. They also explored opportunities for future co-operation between the OSCE and national border services.

On 15 September, an event on ‘Shifting Tides of Border Security and Trafficking: Maritime and Riverine Challenges, Responses and Opportunities’ provided a platform to discuss maritime and riverine security, which is an area of growing strategic importance shaped by expanding trade, emerging technologies and evolving criminal tactics. Speakers included Ambassador Neil Holland, Chair of the OSCE Security Committee, Siv Katrine Leirtroe, Head of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department’s Border Security Management Unit (TNTD/BSMU), and experts from the Netherlands Special Maritime Operations, Heritage Malta, Spain’s Guardia Civil Maritime Unit, as well as representatives of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

The event also featured a panel discussion with the speakers on illicit trafficking of cultural property, irregular migration flows and cyber-attacks on port infrastructure. They shared good practices in capacity-building and opportunities for international co-operation to ensure secure, resilient and sustainably managed maritime borders. Participants also had a chance to experience a virtual reality dive into the sea where they could explore heritage sites around Malta that are at risk of looting and trafficking. TNTD/BSMU reported that the OSCE-Led Heritage Crime Task Force supported participating States in mapping trafficking networks across Ukraine and Central Asia, and provided expert assistance in seizing over 2000 trafficked or stolen objects valued at approximately 27 million euros — money that would otherwise have ended up in the hands of organized crime groups, terrorists and other criminal actors.

The Month of Borders concluded on 23 September with an event on ‘Travel Security and Technology Innovation: Safeguarding Borders in the Digital Age’, followed by an OSCE Security Committee meeting addressing achievements, challenges and future directions in the field of BSM. The discussion of the thematic event focused on threats to travel document security, the use of biometrics and strengthening Advance Passenger Information systems. Speakers highlighted lessons from Ukraine’s resilience in maintaining document security during wartime, the UK’s biometric border innovations and regional co-operation to improve passenger data systems and counter transnational crime.

The Month of Borders was organized by the 2025 OSCE Finnish Chairpersonship and the United Kingdom 2025 Chair of the OSCE Security Committee, in co-operation with the OSCE TNTD/BSMU. This is part of the OSCE’s continued efforts to support participating States in advancing their border-related work across the OSCE area, and to set the stage for future work, emphasizing innovation, enhanced co-operation and continued commitment to efficient border security and management.  

Henriikka Ahtiainen Wilhelmina Hindström

A joint meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) and the OSCE Permanent Council was held on 24 September, under Finland’s dual role as 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship and Chair of the FSC. Finland placed the “Violation of Estonian airspace by the Russian Federation on 19 September 2025” on the agenda of the meeting.

“We have decided to convene this joint meeting in light of the violation of Estonian airspace by Russian Federation on 19 September,” said Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen, Finland’s Permanent Representative to the OSCE and Chair of the Permanent Council. “Finland condemns Russian escalatory behaviour and urges Russia to immediately stop. This airspace violation should not be seen as an individual incident but part of a broader pattern of Russia´s reckless behavior and ignorance of international rules.”

“The violation of Estonian airspace is deeply concerning and unacceptable,” said Dr. Mari Neuvonen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE and Chair of the FSC. “This development must be viewed in the context of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. The airspace violations and Russia’s broader campaign of malicious activities against other countries illustrates the seriousness of Russia’s threat to international security.”

Joint FSC-Permanent Council meetings are convened to discuss security issues affecting the OSCE region. The Chairpersonship of the Forum for Security Co-operation rotates three times a year. Finland will Chair the FSC until the end of 2025.

598069 Željka Šulc

Odžak, 24 September 2025 – During his first official visit to Tuzla, Vukosavlje and Odžak, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission), Ambassador Rick Holtzapple, reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to supporting regional stability, arms control and effective institutional co-operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The visit began with the opening ceremony of the Verification Centre for Deactivated Firearms of the Ministry of Interior of Canton Tuzla, a key step enhancing public safety and reducing the number of small arms and weapons in circulation. This facility will serve as an essential tool for sustainable disarmament initiatives in line with international standards.

In Tuzla, Ambassador Holtzapple met with Prime Minister Irfan Halilagić and members of his government to discuss measures to promote security and stability in the current political environment. Ambassador Holtzapple and Prime Minister Halilagić also discussed strategies to combat domestic violence, acknowledging progress made through the cantonal Co-ordination Body and the Action Plan.

Ambassador commended Tuzla Canton for its commitment to the rule of law and institutional transparency, and urged officials to maintain vigilance in enforcing the cantonal Law on Asset Declarations, particularly amid proposed amendments. He also highlighted urgent priorities, including police staffing shortages and the pending adoption of a new Law on Peaceful Assemblies, aligned with OSCE commitments.

In a meeting with Tuzla Mayor Zijad Lugavić, Ambassador Holtzapple underscored the political significance of the recently signed “Three Towns” Memorandum of Co-operation linking Tuzla, Bijeljina and Orašje. He encouraged turning this framework into tangible projects for citizens, highlighting Tuzla’s innovative efforts to improve air quality, which align with the environmental objectives of the Three Towns initiative. Ambassador also expressed hope that the initiative will foster co-operation between among the residents of all three cities, including promoting zero tolerance for inter-ethnic discrimination and bias.

The working day concluded with a meeting with the five mayors of the Majevica region, Čelić, Lopare, Sapna, Teočak and Ugljevik. The Ambassador acknowledged the extensive co-operation under the Majevica platform, addressing tourism, waste management, civil protection and energy efficiency. He underlined the need to prioritize the completion of demining, ensuring security and enabling growth. The Mission reaffirmed its commitment to support the municipalities in raising these issues with national institutions and international partners, while also helping them identify opportunities for joint projects to promote economic development.

On 24 September, Ambassador Holtzapple met with Vehid Šehić, chairman of the board of the “Pod Lupom” coalition, to discuss upcoming elections in BiH and underlined the importance of credible election observation to give citizens confidence in the legitimacy of their elected officials.

He then visited Vukosavlje where he thanked this Posavina region community for their dedication to building trust and social cohesion. Through the project “Možemo Bolje”, the Mission and its partners support local initiatives that make a real impact. Today’s workshop united voices for stronger, inclusive communities.

Later in Odžak, on behalf of the Mission, Ambassador Holtzapple signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the municipalities of Vukosavlje, Modriča, Šamac and Odžak. This agreement creates framework for inter-municipal co-operation, supported by the OSCE’s expertise, reinforcing commitment to joint development and governance across entity lines.

The Mission’s support of domestic efforts to deactivate small arms, promote co-operation among local government and communities, and ensure continue free and fair elections highlights the OSCE’s continued role as a reliable partner in promoting peace and security across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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The OSCE, in partnership with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), organized two events in Chisinau on 15 and 16 September aimed at strengthening the capacity of Moldovan judges and prosecutors — both in training and practicing — for addressing challenges related to virtual assets.

Future judges and prosecutors learned about the fundamentals of virtual assets through a public lecture on ‘Virtual Assets: Basic Concepts, Legal Uses, and Associated Risks’. The lecture covered typologies, key concepts, and risks linked to the criminal misuse of virtual assets, followed by an interactive discussion.

The lecture was complemented by a two-day workshop offering an introductory training on virtual assets for practicing judges and prosecutors from all around Moldova. International experts from North Macedonia, Romania and Slovenia guided participants through key definitions, international and EU legal frameworks, and the role of prosecutors and judges in handling cases involving virtual assets.

“We are seeing a growing trend of criminal use of virtual assets. This workshop provides a great opportunity for us to learn and be prepared for such cases,” said one of the prosecutors participating at the workshop.

The workshop included case studies, scenario-based exercises on identifying virtual assets-related crime types and securing assets, and discussions on common challenges and good practices.

A second edition of the workshop will take place in October and offer a more advanced insight into virtual assets cases.

These events continue to further strengthen the partnership between the OSCE and NIJ, and were organized as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project, “Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets”, implemented by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. The project receives financial support from Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States.

597937 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Address by Christophe Kamp, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities conducts high-level visit to Kazakhstan Central Asia Regional School on Multilingual and Multicultural Education organized by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities opens in Almaty

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp visited Astana and Almaty, Kazakhstan, from 14 to 20 September 2025.

In Astana, the High Commissioner discussed matters related to his mandate with government officials, including Chairman of the Senate Maulen Ashimbayev, Culture and Information Minister Aida Balayeva, Public Education Minister Gani Beisembayev, Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issetov and Head of the Secretariat of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan Marat Azilkhanov. The discussions highlighted Kazakhstan’s openness to international engagement and its proactive approach to maintaining inter-ethnic harmony and promoting inclusive policies.

In his speech to the VIII Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Astana, chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kamp said: “Every act of inclusion is an early investment in peace. Youth exchange and the participation of women belonging to minorities are not side projects; they are core infrastructure for security.”

The High Commissioner also delivered guest lectures on “Language, Identity and Social Cohesion: The OSCE HCNM Perspective on Integration Policy” at Nazarbayev University in Astana and KIMEP University in Almaty, engaging students and academia in discussions about integration policies within Kazakhstan’s diverse society.

Kamp visited Rozybakiev Gymnasium No. 153, a Uyghur school in Almaty, where he met with the principals and staff of Uyghur schools in Almaty, and the Almaty and Zhetysu regions, to discuss experiences and lessons learned from multilingual education in Kazakhstan.

He also met with representatives of the Almaty City Secretariat of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and ethnic cultural associations. The High Commissioner commended the Assembly of the People as an exemplary institutional framework for inter-ethnic dialogue, noting its unique role in facilitating engagement between the state and diverse ethnic communities while providing structured channels for minority participation in national discourse.

597872 Željka Šulc

Tuzla, 23 September 2025 - Ambassador Rick Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, attended the official opening ceremony of the Centre for Verification of Deactivated Firearms at the Ministry of Interior of Tuzla Canton.

The opening of this state-of-the-art facility, developed under the OSCE’s project “Addressing Security and Safety Risks of Illegal Possession, Misuse and Trafficking of SALW and their Ammunition in BiH,” marks a milestone in strengthening public safety and security for BiH citizens. Equipped with advanced equipment provided through the Project, the Centre will enable BiH law enforcement agencies to more effectively verify and certify deactivated firearms, preventing their criminal misuse.

“The Centre is not only a contribution to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s security but also a vital step in enhancing safety and security across Europe. For communities and businesses across the country, this means greater trust and stronger security in homes and neighborhoods”, Ambassador Holtzapple emphasized. He highlighted the value of the progress achieved thanks to the Mission’s longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Interior and the Police Administration of Tuzla Canton.

Mr. Dževad Korman, Director of the Police Administration of Tuzla Canton thanked for the support of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina and donor countries, through which the necessary financial resources were secured for the construction and equipping of the Center with the most modern equipment for verifying deactivated firearms. “This will enable the Police Administration to consistently implement the Law on Weapons and Ammunition in the Tuzla Canton,” he added.

Representatives of Germany, France, Czech Republic and U.S. also attended the ceremony, providing indispensable financial support for the creation of the Centre.

Lieutenant Colonel (GS) Marc Abendroth, German Defense Attaché in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on behalf of the donors underlined: "We are proud to back this OSCE initiative, which strengthens the capacities of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s institutions, making the country safer and more secure." He added that Bosnia and Herzegovina and partner countries can implement the German-French Western Balkan roadmaps framework and together strengthen European safety and security.

The Centre contributes to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s implementation of the OSCE’s long-standing principles in arms control and co-operative security, while reaffirming the OSCE’s commitment to helping the country reduce small arms risks and strengthen stability at home, in the region, and across the wider OSCE area.

Ongoing Mission support to BiH also includes study visits, joint training, and practical exchanges to expand verification capabilities nationwide. Moreover, the Mission continues to work with authorities to harmonize firearms laws across all jurisdictions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and fully integrate them with international standards.

597863 Željka Šulc

Sarajevo, 23 September 2025 – As cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and cross national and sectoral boundaries, addressing them requires co-ordinated action and collaboration. To meet this challenge, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina organized a conference and panel discussion “Supporting Awareness Raising on Cybersecurity Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Best Practice,” in Sarajevo. The event brought together decision-makers from BiH institutions, the private sector, academia, and civil society organizations to engage in dialogue and explore practical solutions for enhancing cybersecurity co-operation.

Recognizing the need for joint approaches in cyberspace, the OSCE participating States adopted Cyber/ICT Confidence-Building Measure (CBM) No. 14, which encourages the promotion of public-private partnerships and the sharing of best practices to address common security challenges.

Zahid Movlazada, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina has made important strides, but significant work still lies ahead. “Bosnia and Herzegovina remains the only country in South-East Europe without a state-level cybersecurity strategy and a Computer Emergency Response Team. Adopting such a strategy and establishing a CERT would provide the country with the tools and mechanisms needed to withstand a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, cyber espionage, critical infrastructure disruptions, ransomware, and information warfare."” He invited participants to join forces across sectors, institutions, and borders to find solutions together and strengthen the country’s resilience.

The conference aimed to promote public-private partnerships in cybersecurity by presenting their value and practical mechanisms for development. It also sought to advance the implementation of OSCE CBM 14 by showcasing global, regional, and local case studies of effective partnerships and highlighting lessons learned from successful collaborative initiatives. Through these discussions, participants identified common goals and concrete steps toward strengthening BiH’s digital resilience.

Emina Merdan, former Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union and Head of the EU Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that a range of technical skills and knowledge is required to detect, defend against, respond to, and recover from ICT incidents. “In this context, public-private sector partnerships and co-operation, including regular dialogue and the exchange of good practices, can contribute to building trust. While governments play the primary role in implementing confidence-building measures—both domestically and at the state level, as well as by promoting and engaging internationally, and are responsible for planning and allocating resources and adopting appropriate policies—the private sector, including technology companies and cybersecurity firms, is crucial for implementing these measures due to its technical expertise and resources, and can collaborate with governments to enhance the security of ICT products and services, as well as participate in the exchange of information and best practices.”

This conference was organized as part of the Mission’s project “Building Sustainable Cybersecurity Capacities in BiH” and forms part of wider efforts to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity resilience.

597845 Training participants capturing moments together during the session.

Bishkek, 16 September 2025 – The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB), in co-operation with the OSCE Secretariat, OSCE CPC project in support of the implementation of UNSCR 1540 (2004), funded by the EU through UNODA and the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, is convening the Annual National Round Table on the Coordination of the Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004). The event will take place from 16 to 19 September 2025 in the Issyk-Kul region.

The Round Table is organized within the framework of the POiB project “Strengthening National Capacities to Implement Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Commitments.” It highlights the long-standing partnership between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the OSCE in advancing non-proliferation and arms control objectives, in line with the country’s international obligations.

The high-level event will bring together representatives of government institutions, the interagency working group on UNSCR 1540, national experts, and international partners. Discussions will focus on strengthening interagency coordination, improving the national legislative and regulatory framework, and enhancing institutional capacities to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

Participants will review progress under the current National Action Plan (2022–2025), reflect on achievements and challenges, and identify priorities for the next phase (2026–2030). In a broader context, the Round Table will serve as a platform to exchange good practices, assess existing gaps, and explore opportunities for further international support in fulfilling Kyrgyzstan’s non-proliferation commitments.

Their contributions of experts will provide valuable international perspectives and foster the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and avenues for enhanced cooperation in implementing UNSCR 1540 and related instruments, including the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention.

By providing a structured forum for dialogue, the Round Table contributes to the effective implementation of UNSCR 1540 and reinforces the joint commitment of the Kyrgyz Republic, the OSCE, and international partners to regional and global security.

597913 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

From 15 to 19 September 2025, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, in partnership with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, launched the 15th Central Asian Leadership Programme on Environment for Sustainable Development. The programme gathered a new generation of young leaders dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability and co-operation in the region.

This year’s edition, held under the theme “Enhancing Young Leaders’ Capacities in Public Speaking and Media Engagement for Promoting Sustainable Solutions”, focuses on strengthening youth leadership skills to effectively communicate environmental challenges and solutions to diverse audiences. The programme reflects the urgency of addressing climate change and environmental vulnerabilities that increasingly affect the region, including water scarcity, land degradation, and the spread of misinformation.

The 2025 programme brings together 23 young professionals from across Central Asia to strengthen their competencies in public speaking, personal branding, countering disinformation, media content development, science-business-policy communication, and data visualization, with a series of practical simulations and group work exercises.

By fostering regional co-operation and cross-sectoral dialogue, the initiative underlines the OSCE’s commitment to empowering youth and promoting environmental security. The programme not only provides knowledge and skills but also creates long-lasting networks for collaborative action on sustainable development.

The event reaffirmed the OSCE’s dedication to supporting the next generation of leaders who will play a pivotal role in advancing environmental sustainability, fostering dialogue, and driving positive change across Central Asia.

597779 Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 21 September 2025 – The Law School of the University of Sarajevo, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the European Union in BiH successfully held the Fifth Media Law School on Safety and Protection of Journalists: From Online Threats to Physical Attacks from 17 to 21 September in Sarajevo.

Seventeen law students from public law faculties across BiH participated in the five-day program. They engaged in discussions on key topics in media law, took part in a simulated trial, and worked on a hypothetical case, gaining valuable practical experience. Their dedication and commitment earned them three European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits toward their law degrees.

Harun Išerić, Senior Assistant at the Law Faculty of the University of Sarajevo, stressed that through such programs, students are trained to work with the specificities of media law, helping to create an environment conducive to freedom of expression. “The school is a pioneering initiative that will soon evolve into a master’s program in media law, confirming that the Faculty of Law at the University of Sarajevo remains a driving force in the emergence and development of media law in BiH.”

Ferdinand Koenig, Head of Communications and Spokesperson of the EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina, noted that they are very pleased the Media Law School has reached its fifth edition. He stated: “Brave and committed legal professionals are the first line of defence of freedom of expression, media freedom and fundamental rights more widely. It is welcome that young law students in Bosnia and Herzegovina are showing such a great interest in media law. A greater practical knowledge and understanding of EU and international standards in media freedom, in particular those commitments Bosnia and Herzegovina is a signatory to and obliged to respect, will support these students in becoming better legal professionals after they graduate.”

Ivo Lupis, Head of the Human Dimension Department at the OSCE Mission to BiH, highlighted the continuing risks faced by journalists in BiH, including verbal and physical attacks, online threats, and legal harassment. He stressed that “what this country needs are future lawyers, legal professionals and citizens who will stand up for, and defend, freedom of expression and media freedoms.” Lupis noted that these fundamental rights are central tenets of our collective interest and work. He concluded: “When journalists are safe, citizens are better informed, and democratic accountability is stronger.”

The Media Law School is part of broader efforts by the OSCE Mission and the EU to promote and protect media freedom in BiH.

597768 Communication and Media Relations Section Young Women 4 Peace: empowering new generations to lead change and promote stability in Central Asia

Eighteen young women peacebuilders from Central Asia and Afghanistan came together in Vienna this week for the final regional event of the Young Women 4 Peace (YW4P) Initiative, a flagship programme of the OSCE Gender Issues Programme, funded by the European Union.

From 17–19 September, participants summed up two years of intensive training, cross-border collaboration, and high-level dialogue designed to strengthen their skills to lead in peace and security efforts. from the group represented Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan (residing in Central Asia).

On 18 September, the young leaders met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, who reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to women’s empowerment in peacebuilding. They also attended the OSCE Permanent Council to gain first-hand insights into gender and security policymaking processes.

The showcase event on 19 September brought together ambassadors, EU representatives, senior officials from Central Asia, and OSCE experts.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Lara Scarpitta, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, underscored the unique challenges young women face in shaping peace:

“We believe in the transformative power of young women’s leadership. Their voices are essential to building inclusive and lasting peace across the region,” said Dr. Scarpitta.

Speaking on behalf of the EU, Irène Mingasson, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, highlighted the unwavering support: ”Women and young people are vital drivers of peace and security. It is our role to help them achieve just that. We need to work collectively to break down the barriers that hamper that potential.”

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the participants’ collaborative projects, addressing issues such as education for girls from rural areas, cross-border youth dialogue, climate action, and advocacy for Afghan refugees. A dynamic panel, Youth Voices 4 Peace: Celebrating Women, Peace and Security in Action, fostered open discussion with diplomats and decision-makers.

The event also featured a regional exchange with Central Asian authorities working on gender equality and youth policies, exploring how young women’s insights can shape more responsive and inclusive security policies.

Funded by the European Union and implemented by the OSCE Gender Issues Programme under the WIN for Women and Men project, the YW4P Initiative will continue through end-2025. More than just a leadership programme, the initiative has built a community of trained, motivated, and connected young peacebuilders ready to contribute meaningfully to policy and practice, and it has become a platform for fostering cross-sector cooperation between civil society, state institutions, and international partners, amplifying shared values on empowering young women in building inclusive and lasting peace.

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Circular economy with a focus on the role and opportunities of women’s entrepreneurship was discussed at an OSCE supported seminar that took place in Ashgabat on 18 and 19 September 2025.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the event to present international experiences in implementing a circular economy as a tool to strengthen sustainable economic development, modernize business infrastructure and promote small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular emphasis on women-owned SME`s.

The seminar brought together representatives of the Mejlis (Parliament) of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, Ministry of Environmental Protection and other relevant ministries and institutions, as well as representatives of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan, women entrepreneurs and university teaching staff.

The seminar was conducted in a hybrid format with an international expert delivering presentations remotely while participants attended in-person. The expert shared insights into the circular economy as a tool for achieving sustainable development goals focusing on its advantages and key stakeholders. Participants looked into the principles, strategies and approaches of the circular economy and discussed business models of the circular economy

“The circular economy is not just an alternative, it is a necessity,” said Olivera Zurovac-Kuzman, Economic and Environmental Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. “Our discussions focused on how resource efficiency, waste reduction, and closed-loop systems can drive sustainable development, aligning closely with the OSCE values, which include fostering peace, economic growth and environmental stewardship across our participating states.”

The seminar included sessions on facilitating the transition to a circular economy and implementing circular practices at the enterprise level. Lively discussions centered on women's entrepreneurship in the context of the circular economy

“Empowering women within this framework is not just beneficial, but essential. Across the globe, there are inspiring examples where the circular economy has supported women entrepreneurship, stressed Zurovac-Kuzman.

“These examples demonstrate how supporting female entrepreneurs promotes diversity and inclusivity, unlocking new potentials for strengthening the economy through sustainable development,” she concluded.

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Representatives from South-Eastern European countries gathered in Vienna to advance public participation and transboundary dialogue in environmental impact assessment (EIA).

The OSCE, together with Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, organized the Consultative Workshop “Strengthening public participation and transboundary dialogue in environmental impact assessment in South-Eastern Europe” on 8-9 September. The event brought together National Focal Points to the Espoo and Aarhus Conventions, Aarhus Centres, international experts, and representatives of UNECE and the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA).

Participants explored key provisions of the Conventions and the Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). They also examined the practical challenges of conducting transboundary EIAs, shared experiences on improving public participation in decision-making, and exchanged good practices from across the region.

Discussions covered:

• lessons learned from organizing public hearings in South-Eastern Europe;
• integrating climate proofing into infrastructure projects;
• EIA requirements of financial institutions; and
• the role of Artificial Intelligence in environmental reporting and permitting.

Opening the workshop, Bakyt Dzhusupov, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, highlighted the importance of inclusive participation and transboundary co-operation, stressing that “the most effective way to sustain transboundary cooperation is through multilateralism and joint action to achieve shared goals”.

Representatives from Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, Anna Maria Maggiore and Chiara Landini, underlined that evolving regulatory, environmental, and socio-political dynamics demand adaptability. “Transboundary consultations are part of this logic, highlighting the need to establish effective mechanisms of coordination and cooperation between all actors involved,” they said.

Elena Santer, Secretary to the Espoo Convention and the Protocol on SEA, said that “collaboration between countries and good faith in consultations under the provisions of the Conventions remain essential, even when significant impacts on the environment are not initially anticipated”.

The workshop outcomes, together with priorities identified during the discussions, will feed into the updated “Action Plan to support effective application of transboundary EIA and SEA procedures in South-Eastern European countries”.

VIENNA/HELSINKI, 18 September 2025 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, has concluded her official visit to Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The aim of the visit was to strengthen OSCE partnerships in the region.

In all three countries, Special Envoy Hakala met with representatives of the host country governments, the international community as well as civil society.

“It was a privilege to visit all three countries in a region which, also due to my previous assignments, has a special meaning for me. I was encouraged to witness the ongoing strengthening of regional co-operation among the Central Asian participating States, as there is a clear recognition of the advantages of working together on shared challenges and opportunities in the region,” said Special Envoy Hakala.

In all three countries, Special Envoy Hakala met with the teams from the OSCE field operations, commending their commitment and valuable work on the ground. She also visited OSCE project sites on the ground, meeting with their staff and beneficiaries.

“The Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship is a devoted advocate of the work of the OSCE field operations, as they continue their valuable work in supporting host countries in implementing our shared OSCE commitments. We are particularly proud of the achievements of the two flagship projects in the region – the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and the OSCE Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe – and hope to see them continue their important work and evolve further in the coming years,” said Special Envoy Hakala.

During her meetings with civil society in the three countries, the Special Envoy discussed the OSCE’s engagement on crucial issues such as the rule of law, human rights, democratic reforms, gender equality, and youth inclusion. During its OSCE Chairpersonship, Finland has consistently highlighted the role of civil society, including at the Helsinki+50 Conference, which was held in July to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act.