Central Europe

WARSAW, 15 November 2024 – Making the bias motivation behind all hate crimes visible and ensuring they are prosecuted correctly is essential to protect the rights of victims and at the same time ensure effective policies to prevent and address hate crime, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on launching its annual hate crime report ahead of the 2024 International Day for Tolerance. 

“ODIHR’s hate crime report is the largest dataset on hate crime in the world, and it is used across the OSCE region to develop truly effective responses to hate crime. All OSCE states have committed to combating hate crime, and supporting them in this endeavour is a key area of ODIHR’s work,” said Tea Jaliashvili, ODIHR Director’s Alternate and First Deputy Director. “We are also grateful to all our civil society partners for the information they provide us each year. Civil society plays a vital role in addressing intolerance across the OSCE region, and is therefore an invaluable partner for states in responding to all forms of hatred.”

48 OSCE states reported hate crime data for this year’s update, while civil society from across the OSCE region reported close to 10,000 cases. The report indicates once again that many gaps remain in the prosecution of hate crimes. Incomplete or inadequate legislation is a major obstacle for prosecutors, and means that some hate crimes are not investigated as such or are incorrectly prosecuted as “hate speech” offences. This can render hate crimes invisible, leaving victims without support or access to their rights and leading to misinformed policy and legal responses.

To help close these gaps, ODIHR has published a practical guide entitled Hate Crime Prosecution at the Intersection of Hate Crime and Criminalized “Hate Speech”, which draws on laws and practice from across the OSCE region. ODIHR’s new resource will support the effective prosecution of hate crime offences by guiding prosecutors to select the correct charge, coordinate with police and work with courts to take bias motivations into consideration and pass tougher sentences. The guide can also be used by decision makers as they assess the effectiveness of policies, practices and legislation to address hate crime, as well as by civil society organizations in their advocacy and legal assistance activities.  

All OSCE states have committed to ensuring an effective criminal justice response to hate crime. This includes the necessity of distinguishing hate crimes from “hate speech” to allow for their effective investigation and prosecution.

ODIHR works to combat hate crime across the OSCE region through a holistic approach that includes a wide range of activities, from training for law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and civil society, to support for victims to ensure they receive the assistance they require. ODIHR’s hate crime report is updated each year with data and information provided by states, civil society and international organizations. More information on the Office’s resources to address hate crime is available here.

On 7 and 8 November 2024, the School of Magistrates, in close co-operation with the OSCE Presence in Albania, organized a training on investigation and adjudication of criminal offences related to public procurement.

The training was designed based of the areas of interest expressed by prosecutors of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) and judges of the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime, who were also the main beneficiaries of this activity.

The training programme aimed at boosting up the overall capacities of SPAK prosecutors and special courts to conduct criminal investigations against high-level corruption and transnational organized crime groups.

“This training helps magistrates to be equipped with specialized knowledge in this field and to make informed decisions in cases involving procurement disputes or offenses, in order to foster a judiciary that is not only knowledgeable, but also capable of upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness in public procurement processes. Moreover, the effective adjudication of public procurement offenses is vital for combating corruption and promoting good governance. We hope that the effectiveness of the training will be seen in the exercise of their duties in their everyday work,” said Director of the School of Magistrates Arben Rakipi while opening the event.

“Improved and enhanced investigation and adjudication by SPAK bodies of public procurement offences is paramount to ensure accountability, transparency and to combat impunity. The Presence remains a steadfast supporter of the SPAK anti-corruption and organized crime bodies, in particular the courts and prosecution services. We will continue to support the consolidation and efficient functioning of justice institutions,” said Head of Presence Ambassador Michel Tarran.

The event – which was a continuation of last year’s training – focused on topics, such as risks associated with procurement procedures, legal novelties, special techniques in investigating criminal offences related to public procurement, concessions/public private partnerships, sharing of best national and international practices in this field and through international co-operation. Case studies were also discussed. 

This activity was held as part of the Presence’s support for Albania to further advance the implementation of the anti-corruption reform and consolidate rule of law, key justice institutions and civil society organizations.

Senior officers from Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service participated in a study visit to Madrid, Spain, from 4 to 7 November 2024. The study visit was organized by the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, in close co-operation with the Spanish National Police, for fourteen representatives - including seven women and seven men. The visit focused on national travel documents, including how Spain issues and prints their national passports, methods of detecting forgeries at their borders, digital identity, and methods of risk analysis to identify trends in use of forged travel documents.

The delegation explored how Spain manages its national travel documents, with insights into the issuance and printing processes of Spanish passports. They also learned methods for detecting forged documents at border checkpoints, explored the growing use of digital identity, and examined analytical approaches to identify trends in document fraud.

The four-day visit featured a visit to the National Coordination Center for Border Posts (CEFRONT) where participants gained an understanding of the center's organizational structure and unit coordination, and discussed some key lessons learned on co-ordination of border crossing points. The group of visiting border guards also received an overview of the risk analysis strategies and methodology used by the Spanish National Police to counter irregular migration and use of forged travel documents.

The Ukrainian officers visited several critical sites, including the Documentation Division, where they observed the passport issuance process in real-time, as well as the operations of Mobile Documentation Units. The delegation also toured Spain’s National Mint and Stamp Factory, Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT), where Spanish passports and other secure documents are produced.

The study visit concluded with a comprehensive tour of Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), one of Europe's busiest airports. Here, the Ukrainian officers had the opportunity to observe the airport’s border control operations, focusing on first- and second-line document checks, automated e-gates, and staffing considerations. The practices they observed at MAD are expected to inform Ukraine's preparations for the eventual return of civil aviation to Ukraine’s skies.

The study visit was held in close co-operation with the Permanent Mission of Spain to the OSCE and the Spanish National Police. It was the last part of the 2024 training cycle for the fourteen border guards, who had previously completed an OSCE Training of Trainers course in August 2024.

These study and training activities are part of an ongoing project supporting OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation in reducing the illegal crossing of borders by using a fake or stolen identity. This project is generously funded by the United States.

On 7 and 8 November 2024 the 8th Annual Passenger Data Seminar took place in Vienna, Austria. The event was organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). The seminar was organized back-to-back with the 4th Annual Meeting of the Eastern European Informal Working Group on Passenger Data.

The Passenger Data Seminar provided participants with the opportunity to discuss new avenues for co-operation in implementing passenger data programmes, sharing good practices in legislation, including human rights implications, operations and security analysis. They also explored the future use of passenger data systems across different transport modes, including maritime, railway and road transport.

“With the expected growth in air traffic and the continuous threat posed by terrorism, measures such as utilizing Advance Passenger Information systems play a critical role in expediting border checks. They enhance the capabilities of national law enforcement agencies to combat irregular immigration, interdict travel of potential terrorists and individuals potentially engaged in transnational organized crime. This ensures both national and travel security,” said Lieutenant Colonel Christian Zammit-Cordina, Head of Politico-military dimension of the Delegation of Malta to the OSCE on behalf of the 2024 OSCE Chair-in-Office.

The main purpose of the event is to further support participating States in developing Advance Passenger Information (API) systems and provide opportunities to identify potential partnerships.

At this year’s seminar, a particular emphasis was put on data privacy, the role of data protection officers, and conducting privacy impact assessments. A separate session was dedicated to the role of networking and Informal Working Groups.

This event was the sixth consecutive joint seminar organized by the OSCE and UNOCT and it is a direct result of the OSCE-UNOCT Biennial Action Plan for 2022-2024 signed in September 2022. 

The Eastern European Informal Working Group (EE IWG) on Passenger Data was established in 2021 as a platform for technical exchange on methodologies in traveler data collection, technologies development, new applications of passenger data frameworks and exploring security analyses across different modes of travel. It includes: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, Mongolia, North Macedonia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Serbia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Israel.

Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final report and recommendations of the observation mission to the June local elections in Serbia during a visit to Belgrade from 23 to 26 September 2024.

“I am encouraged to see the momentum for electoral reform continuing, as there are a number of ODIHR recommendations still to address from June and other recent elections, ,” said Ambassador Lamberto Zannier, Head of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission to the local elections. “ODIHR is ready to assist the efforts of the parliamentary working group and all others working to introduce the reforms necessary for future elections in Serbia to take place in line with international democratic standards.”

The ODIHR experts met with representatives of the Parliamentary Working Group on Improving the Electoral Process, the Republican Election Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the parliament and of other government ministries and agencies, as well as civil society organizations, journalists’ associations, and the international community.

ODIHR welcomed the current efforts to reform various laws governing the electoral process in Serbia, and urged the government, parliamentary parties and other stakeholders to continue this process while there is sufficient time before the next elections. ODIHR drew attention to the need to address its priority recommendations, including those related to separation of state and party, the inclusiveness and comprehensiveness of electoral reform, audit of the voter register and transparency of voter list data, greater oversight of election campaigns and their financing, and measures to enable media freedom and independence.

The authorities discussed ODIHR’s potential engagement in providing legal and technical expertise to assist in implementing these recommendations, including through reviews of draft amendments to legislation, regular participation in the working group on improving the electoral process; and technical assistance to state institutions involved in election management and oversight.

All 57 participating States of the OSCE have formally committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations. Further information on previous ODIHR recommendations and an assessment of the extent to which they have been implemented so far through changes in legislation, procedures and practices can be found on p.27 of the final report. The ODIHR Electoral Recommendations Database also tracks the implementation of previous recommendations across the OSCE region.

On 7 and 8 September in Skopje, North Macedonia, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with OSCE Mission to Skopje, organized a training course on understanding the linkages between violent misogyny, violent extremism, and gender. This course is part of the OSCE’s ongoing efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT).

The training course brought together approximately 20 participants including government officials and policymakers from the security, education and media sectors, as well as civil society representatives, media professionals and community and religious leaders.

The event focused on addressing challenges in the digital information landscape as they relate to violent extremism and violent misogyny. The participants discussed the links between gender, violent misogyny and violent extremism online, with the aim to advance gender-responsive and comprehensive approaches to P/CVERLT.

Key aspects of the training course were tailored specifically to North Macedonia’s needs. This included building resilience to online disinformation and exploitation by violent extremists of targeted narratives, raising awareness of the misuse of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, and discussing how gender stereotypes and violent misogyny have been found to play an important role in the process of radicalization to violence.

"In the era of digital information disorder, fake news and artificial intelligence, improving media and information literacy is key to addressing the links between violent misogyny, violent extremism, and gender, enabling communities to critically engage with information and create a safer society. It is essential to enable continuous education for all, especially for young people,” said Pavle Trajanov, National Coordinator for Countering Violent Extremism and Counter-Terrorism of the Republic of North Macedonia in his opening remarks.

This training course is part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project INFORMED and supported the OSCE's ongoing efforts to advance gender-responsive and evidence-based P/CVERLT programming, building on the OSCE Policy Brief – Linkages between Violent Misogyny and Violent Extremism. The policy brief recommends governmental and non-governmental stakeholders the ways to enhance the understanding of how power relations, generally, and violent misogyny, specifically, play a role in the radicalization to violence across the ideological spectrum of violent extremism. It also notes the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to identifying ways to address this issue, including in the online space.

From 5 to 8 November, the OSCE gathered representatives of Moldovan law enforcement agencies in a series of meetings to strengthen their capabilities in detecting and investigating illicit trafficking, with a focus on small arms and light weapons (SALW).

The discussions included proposed amendments to the legislative framework and assessments of training and equipment needs for Moldovan law enforcement. These enhancements are expected to improve detection, search and seizure operations, elevating the quality of investigations and evidence-gathering in SALW trafficking cases.

Facilitated by the OSCE on 6 November, the second meeting of the inter-institutional working group included 19 representatives from the Ministry of Interior, General Police Inspectorate, the General Border Police Inspectorate, the Customs Service, and the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Serious Organized Crime and Special Cases. The group was established in September 2024 as part of Moldova's National Action Plan for EU Accession (2024-2027) and aims to align the national legal framework with EU standards. Insights from this meeting will guide legislative and regulatory analyses and support amendments to bolster the authorities’ operational efficiency.

To evaluate detection and investigation capacities of illicit trafficking, particularly SALW-related, the OSCE conducted various on-site assessments at the General Police Inspectorate’s Forensic and Judicial Expertise Centre and regional police stations, focusing on the equipment needed for effective operations. The OSCE collaborated with international partners such as the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX).

These activities are funded by the UK Government as part of the “Support to the Law Enforcement Agencies in Moldova in Response to the Security Challenges in the Region” extra-budgetary project.

From 31 October to 2 November 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD), in co-operation with the Republican Training and Methodological Centre (RTMC) of the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defence (CoESCD), conducted a comprehensive training course in Khujand. This initiative brought together 20 participants, including seven women and 13 men, who were branch heads and instructors from various districts in the Sughd region.

The training aimed to enhance the participants' understanding of the updated curricula and methodological guides developed by the RTMC, which were printed with the support of POiD. In addition to theoretical knowledge, participants received practical guidance from RTMC instructors on how to integrate these updates into their educational work plans, ultimately enriching the overall teaching process.

“Training is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about empowering individuals to respond effectively in times of crisis. By investing in the education of our instructors, we are building a resilient foundation for our communities and ensuring they are prepared for any emergency," said Lieutenant Colonel Jamshed Kuchakov, Deputy Head of the CoESD branch in the Sughd region. "This initiative is an important step in fostering a culture of safety and preparedness in our society,” added Kuchakov.

This training course marks the third initiative organized by POiD this year to support CoESD. These activities align with the strategic objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and Tajikistan’s Mid-Term State Programme for the Protection of Population and Territories from Emergency Situations for 2023-2028.

From 4 to 7 November 2024, prosecutors of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) and high officials of the Albanian State Police conducted a study visit to Italy focused on operational aspects of financial investigations. The visit was curated by the Italian Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate (DIA) and organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania, the Italian State Police Security Expert and the Guardia di Finanza Expert from the Italian Embassy in Tirana, as well as the Italian Service for International Police Co-operation. The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities and the Transnational Threats Department of the OSCE Secretariat contributed to the organization of the visit.

The main objective of the visit was to support the Albanian State Police and SPAK’s Special Prosecution Office in their activities to combat money laundering of illegally acquired capital and implementing asset recovery measures with a view to strengthening and reinforcing the fight against transnational organized crime.

In his welcoming address to the delegation, DIA Director Commander General of Guardia di Finanza Michele Carbone underlined the importance of these activities to strengthen co-operation in combating organized crime and identifying illicitly-gained assets.

The activity reaffirmed the effectiveness of actions to combat organized crime within the framework of co-operation between the two OSCE participating States.

The visit was part of the OSCE Presence’s project “Supporting Albanian law enforcement agencies to tackle serious and organized crime effectively and improve regional co-operation V”. It was also conducted in connection to and with support from the OSCE’s regional project “Strengthening asset recovery efforts in the OSCE region” funded by Austria, Germany, Italy and the United States of America.

The Parties to the Agreement on Sub-Regional Arms Control, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Serbia, under the chairmanship of Montenegro, held the XIV Review Conference on the implementation of the Agreement on 5 November 2024.

The Parties expressed their pleasure that the Agreement on Sub-Regional Arms Control has been successfully implemented for almost three decades in the spirit of mutual respect, trust and cooperation. In the course of the implementation of the Agreement, 518 missions were carried out, including a total of 830 inspections with the participation of 1291 assistants and 266 guest observers from the OSCE participating States and the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center.

The Parties emphasized their willingness to take further steps to improve the implementation of and to modernize the Agreement, in order to preserve its relevance in the future.

They emphasized their gratitude to the OSCE Conflict Prevention Center, RACVIAC and the Contact Group countries, as well as to all OSCE participating States for their continued monitoring and support for the successful implementation and affirmation of the Agreement.

They expressed their commitment to continue addressing the issues that can contribute to the further enhancement of the implementation of the Agreement with the aim of promoting mutual cooperation and strengthening peace and stability in South-Eastern Europe.

Best practices from OSCE participating States for developing effective strategies to successfully navigate the WTO accession process were shared during an OSCE-organized seminar that took place on 6 and 7 November 2024.

The two-day seminar showcased successful strategies employed by participating States across the OSCE area during the preparatory phase of WTO accession negotiations. International experts reflected on the state participation in pricing mechanisms and control over national resources in the context of WTO rules as well as measures for ensuring the interests of certain industries during the WTO accession process.

Olivera Zurovac-Kuzman, Economic and Environmental Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat referred to the Ministerial Council Decision No. 4/16 “Strengthening good governance and promoting connectivity”, which, inter alia, reaffirms "the commitments of OSCE participating States to assist each other to increase the integration of their economies into the international economic and financial system, above all through early accession to the World Trade Organization".

“The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat has been actively co-operating with the Government of Turkmenistan in the areas of economic connectivity, trade and transport facilitation, strengthening customs procedures and improving export mechanisms,” emphasized Zurovac-Kuzman.

“Particular attention was given to supporting the Government's efforts to meet Turkmenistan's relevant international commitments, including those related to the WTO accession process,” she added.

The seminar brought together representatives from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Agency of Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, State Customs Service and the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs as well as other relevant ministries and institutions.

The 62nd round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) took place on 5-6 November 2024 in the Palais des Nations, in accordance with the six-point agreement of 12 August 2008 and the implementing measures of 8 September 2008.

The participants welcomed Magdalena Grono, who officially assumed her duties as EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia. She co-chaired this round together with her UN and OSCE colleagues, UN Representative to the Geneva International Discussions Cihan Sultanoğlu and Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus Viorel Moşanu.

In Working Group I, the participants continued their discussion on the implementation of the 2008 six-point agreement, with renewed emphasis and focus on non-use of force and international security arrangements. Despite strongly diverging positions, the participants managed to have exchanges on key developments on the ground.

In Working Group II, discussions focused on several sets of humanitarian issues, including freedom of movement, documentation, livelihoods, education and missing persons. The co-moderators called on all participants to constructively and actively engage on all key agenda items, including internally displaced persons and refugees. However, once again this topic could not be fully addressed, notably due to a walkout by some participants.

All participants underlined the importance of the Geneva International Discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to the platform. They agreed to hold the next round in March 2025.

WASHINGTON D.C., 6 November 2024 – Engagement was high across the political spectrum in yesterday’s US elections that underscored the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions. The presidential vote was highly competitive, but the campaign was marked by deep polarization and harsh and confrontational rhetoric, while public trust was undermined by disinformation campaigns and political violence, international observers said in a statement today.

The joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) found that while the constitution and a number of federal laws provide a broad and sound framework for holding elections in line with democratic standards, the legal framework has remained mostly unchanged at the federal level since the last elections, leaving most previous ODIHR recommendations unaddressed.

“These elections were a demonstration of the resilience of America’s democratic institutions, as public engagement overcame repeated unfounded claims of elections fraud and divisive rhetoric,” said Pia Kauma, Special Co-ordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term observers. “Especially in this contentious campaign environment, our observations serve to provide a full picture of the situation.”

The elections were organized efficiently and professionally, but threats, harassment, and violence against election administrators were a cause for serious concern and made recruiting election workers a challenge, as well as making additional security measures necessary. Voting technologies were used extensively for voter registration, ballot casting, and vote counting. While a range of useful tools and training were developed to strengthen election safety, concerns about security and assertions from both foreign and domestic sources that sought to sow doubt and delegitimize the electoral process continued to damage public trust.

An estimated 244 million voters were eligible to vote in these elections. Voter ID remained a controversial issue, with supporters claiming the laws safeguard election integrity and opponents arguing they disproportionately affect various minority groups. Certain segments of the U.S. population remain disenfranchised, despite prior ODIHR recommendations. Election day itself was managed professionally in the polling stations visited by observers, with technical problems such as ballot-scanning errors or voter ID mismatches dealt with promptly.

“Disinformation, threats and even cases of political violence have put this country through a stress test, but these elections showed that the democratic processes in the US remain in good health,” said OSCE PA Head of Delegation Pere Joan Pons. “With campaign spending at record high levels in what appears to be continuous ‘campaign inflation’, systems that enable independent groups to circumvent campaign finance regulations must be amended to avoid inequalities.”

While campaign finance is regulated by federal laws and court rulings that contain detailed regulations on the funding of candidates, the campaigns for this year’s election were marked by record high spending, increasing concerns over unregulated financial contributions and disproportionate advantage for candidates with extensive funding.

Civil and political rights were respected throughout the campaign, but it unfolded in a highly polarized environment amidst personal attacks and incidents of election violence including assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, as well as mutual accusations between the top-running candidates. Repeated claims by Mr. Trump of widespread electoral fraud in the 2020 elections, as well as his refusal to pledge to accept the outcome of this election, fuelled doubts about a peaceful post-election transition.

“The nuts and bolts of the American electoral process are strong and stable, despite deep mistrust among the general public,” said Tamás Meszerics, who headed the ODIHR election observation mission. “But the sharp polarisation we are seeing across the country, reinforced by the echo chambers that many people are locked into also through the partisan media, are a worrying trend that could seriously damage democracy in the long term.”

Freedom of expression was respected throughout the campaign, and the extensive media coverage provided voters with a basis to make an informed choice on election day. However, the majority of media outlets tailored their coverage to partisan audiences, amplifying political messaging and contributing to political polarization. While there is strong legal protection for media freedom, observers regrettably noted increasing cases of intimidation and harassment targeting journalists.

A large number of lawsuits were filed against new electoral legislation and implementing regulations. Courts enjoyed trust in adjudicating these appeals, although observers heard a high expectation for widespread post-election litigation and further appeals on cases currently under review. There is a legal prohibition of international election observation in 17 states, against the commitments made by all 57 states of the OSCE. At the same time, it was positive to note that partisan and non-partisan observers were present on election day in great numbers, making the process more transparent.

The international election observation is a joint mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA). The observation mission totalled 249 observers from 45 countries, made up of 85 ODIHR-deployed experts and long-term observers, and 164 parliamentarians and staff from the OSCE PA.

On 4 and 6 November, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department held its third annual training event on international cyber diplomacy in Vienna, Austria. The event gathered 26 participants from Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus and Mongolia to build national capacities to engage in international cyber policy deliberations.

“Inclusivity helps us to make the most of the different expertise and perspectives available, as well as to secure broader support for solutions by ensuring more parties are brought into them from the outset – whether that is regional solutions here at the OSCE or global solutions at the UN,” said Eleanor Rees, the Deputy Head of Cyber Policy Department of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, United Kingdom.

The first edition of this training event was organized in 2022 to underline the importance of participating in international discussions on cyberspace. As these discussions grow in both significance and complexity, it is essential for all states to develop a good understanding of the issues discussed, and to have the resources required to make meaningful contributions.

„While the OSCE mainly focuses on confidence-building measures in cyberspace, our capacity-building activities support the broader implementation of the international framework of responsible state behaviour. This approach resonates with OSCE participating States, as shown by the strong interest in attending this training event” said Szilvia Toth, Cyber Security Officer at the OSCE Transnational Threats Department.  

Speaking on behalf of the United Kingdom as the main activity sponsor, Ms. Rees added that “the UK is delighted to be supporting this third edition of the OSCE’s cyber diplomacy training, which is happily becoming something of an annual tradition. We also supported the first edition back in 2022 and it is great to see how the programme has evolved, meaning that it hopefully remains accessible to colleagues attending for the first time but also offers new elements for those participants returning for the second or third time”.

The training event, organized on the margins of the OSCE’s Informal Working Group established by Permanent Council Decision No. 1039 on the development of confidence-building measures to reduce the risks of conflict stemming from the use of information and communication technologies, was delivered as part of the “Activities and customized support for the implementation of OSCE cyber/ICT security confidence-building measures” project, with the support of the United Kingdom.

VIENNA, 7 November — OSCE Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malta Ian Borg, will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Albania from 10 to 13 November.

He will start his visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 10 November. During his visit to the country, Chair-in-Office Borg will meet with Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković, Members of Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency, the Collegium of both Parliamentary Assembly Houses, and the Council of Ministers Chairperson, Borjana Krišto. The Chair will deliver opening remarks at an event marking the 30th anniversary of Bosnia and Herzegovina signing the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security. He will also meet with civil society organizations in Konjic and visit the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 12 November, Chair-in-Office Borg will visit Montenegro, where he will meet with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović. During his visit he will also visit the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and meet with civil society organizations.

In the afternoon, the Chair will travel to North Macedonia, where he will meet with Speaker of the Assembly Afrim Gashi, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, and Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski. He will also attend a meeting with the OSCE Troika, together with the Foreign Ministers of North Macedonia and Finland. During his trip, Chair-in-Office Borg will also visit the OSCE Mission to Skopje and will meet with civil society organizations.

On 13 November, the final day of his visit, Chair-in-Office Borg will travel to Albania. He will meet with President Bajram Begaj, and Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani. Chair-in-Office Borg will also visit the OSCE Presence in Albania and will meet with representatives from civil society organizations.  

Press Opportunities

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chair-in-Office Borg will deliver remarks to the press on 11 November from 10:30 to 10:45 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An invitation will follow from the MFA. 

In Montenegro, Chair-in-Office Borg will deliver remarks to the press on 12 November from 10:00 to 10:15 at Villa Gorica. An invitation will follow from the MFA. 

In North Macedonia Chair-in-Office Borg will deliver remarks to the press on 12 November from 17:30 to 17:45 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An invitation will follow from the MFA. 

In Albania, Chair-in-Office Borg will deliver remarks to the press on 13 November from 10:15 – 10:30 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Statements will be made available by the MFA. 

Cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets can present a wide range of risks, including money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud. To strengthen Moldova’s crypto-related crime investigation capacities, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), gathered 25 representatives from the law enforcement agencies in Chisinau from 6 to 8 November for a targeted training session to foster their expertise in this area.

Training participants became acquainted with advanced techniques and practical skills in the field, including methods for tracing criminal transactions across different blockchains, case studies highlighting real-world scenarios, and best practices from other law enforcement agencies.

“The rise of financial crime involving crypto-assets is a global trend. We’re witnessing an increase in criminal activity leveraging virtual assets, with new methods and obfuscation techniques constantly emerging. As criminals continue to adapt, it’s essential that we stay ahead of the curve by understanding these trends and honing our skills to track and investigate illicit transactions effectively,” said Maksym Mishalov Dragunov, Assistant project Officer at OCEEA.

“Equipping Moldova with the tools and knowledge to investigate complex virtual asset transactions is one of our project’s key objectives and directly feeds into the OSCE’s mission of increasing security across all dimensions,” he added.

The training is part of an OSCE extra-budgetary project on “Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets”, funded by Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States. The project supports OSCE participating States in building national capacities to mitigate criminal risks related to virtual assets.

On 1 November 2024, nineteen officers from the Tajik Border Troops successfully completed an intensive three-week Operational Planning Training (OPT) course. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the OSCE’s efforts to strengthen border security along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border.

The course, held at the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, provided participants with advanced skills in the Military Decision-Making Process, a UN-standard operational planning methodology widely used by security forces worldwide. Two international experts with extensive experience in military operations and border security, including service with the UN, NATO, and FRONTEX, led the training. The training course focused on systematic approaches to tackle complex border security challenges.

A unique aspect of the course was the involvement of three former OPT graduates from the Tajik Border Troops who served as assistant instructors. This participation underscores the sustainable impact of the OSCE’s capacity-building efforts. Participants engaged in realistic scenarios that addressed security threats, criminal activities, and humanitarian challenges specific to the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border.

Tatiana Turcan, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, said during the graduation ceremony: “The skills you’ve developed here are not merely academic exercises. They are practical tools that will help you protect Tajikistan’s borders and contribute to regional stability. The challenges along the Afghan border are complex and evolving, but you now possess a proven methodology to analyze problems, develop solutions, and implement effective operations.”

The French Ambassador to Tajikistan, H.E. Elsa Pignol, and the German Ambassador to Tajikistan, H.E. York Schuegraf, visited the course on 31 October to witness firsthand the practical application of operational planning methodologies. Their visit highlighted the international community's commitment to supporting border security in Central Asia.

The event is conducted in the framework of the OSCE’s Patrol Field Capacity Building project, now in its second phase, which is generously supported by France, Germany, and the United States. The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe continues to support Tajikistan's border security efforts through various capacity-building initiatives, contributing to the stability of Tajikistan, Central Asia, and the wider OSCE region.

Sarajevo, 5 November 2024 – Today, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) marked a significant milestone in its ongoing initiative to strengthen gender representation in law enforcement through the provision of IT equipment to the Police Women’s Network Association and the RS Ministry of Interior Women’s Network (RS WPON). This handover is part of the broader OSCE-led ExB project, “Addressing Security and Safety Risks of Illegal Possession, Misuse, and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Their Ammunition in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” supported by Austria (in-kind contribution), Czechia, the European Union (EU), France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Norway, Slovakia, Türkiye, and the United States (US).

The project aims to tackle critical security risks associated with SALW and actively integrates gender perspectives to enhance the project’s impact on community safety and public trust. By supporting women’s police networks, the OSCE strengthens the role of women in managing and controlling SALW, acknowledging their essential contributions to combatting crime and promoting stability.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating: “This support highlights our commitment to inclusive policing by equipping these networks with resources to tackle the pressing challenge of firearm-related domestic and gender-based violence.” Ambassador Aggeler also underscored that women’s representation in SALW control contributes not only to more effective law enforcement but also to organizational changes that recognize the significance of diverse perspectives in public safety.

Mr. Spencer M. Fields, Deputy Arms Control Delegate from the U.S. Mission to the OSCE, praised the OSCE Mission's dedication to gender equality and security, noting the positive impact of the Police Women’s Network Association and RS WPON on safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The project’s gender-relevant activities are supported by international gender consultants and aim to foster an inclusive approach to security. These efforts include specialized training for law enforcement agencies, strategies to prevent firearm-related domestic violence, and the promotion of women’s leadership within policing frameworks.

Today’s event highlights the OSCE’s commitment to reinforcing security measures that recognize and address the unique roles of women in law enforcement, ultimately contributing to a safer, more inclusive Bosnia and Herzegovina.

SKOPJE, 5 November 2024 — Organized crime poses an urgent threat in South-Eastern Europe, with illegal arms trafficking and migrant smuggling jeopardizing regional and global security. To confront these issues and drive concerted action across the region, the OSCE Mission to Skopje, in co-operation with EU4FAST, is hosting a High-Level Police and Customs Co-operation Conference in Skopje from 5 to 7 November.

High-level politicians, police and customs directors, law enforcement officials, security experts, and representatives from international partner organizations are convening to strengthen regional co-operation between police and customs authorities. Their goal is to develop co-ordinated strategies to tackle the complex, evolving threats of small arms and light weapons (SALW) trafficking and migrant smuggling.

“Why are we here today? Because - let us be frank – South-Eastern Europe unfortunately remains a focal point for illicit arms trafficking and migrant smuggling. The region is awash with weapons. And all of us in the room are aware of the infamous Balkan Routes,” said Ambassador Kilian Wahl, Head of Mission at the OSCE Mission to Skopje.

Weapons trafficked from the region not only exacerbate violence locally but also contribute to crime and instability worldwide. Arms trafficking fuels organized crime and poses serious risks to public safety, contributing to domestic violence, homicide, and gender-based violence.

“This event, which initiates stronger institutional co-operation at the international and national levels, will contribute to the functionality of security systems that are vital pillars for the safety of citizens and democratic values. The fight against organized and transnational crime necessitates that we all put forth maximum efforts and resources, especially in cross-border police and customs co-operation, as a key factor in efficiently tackling this threat,” highlighted Panche Toshkovski, Interior Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia.

Organized crime networks continue to grow in complexity and reach, requiring greater co-operation. This conference aims to provide the groundwork for increased information sharing across the region and beyond by presenting transnational information-sharing systems such as the Secure Information Exchange Network Application – SIENA. The forum also brings together critical stakeholders to share their experiences, present trends at border crossings, and discuss response mechanisms.

“I am pleased that North Macedonia has recognized the problem, and we are honoured to support the country,” Ambassador Kilian Wahl emphasized. “We are starting to see the impact: progress has been made in South-Eastern Europe, with a 20% increase in large-scale seizures. We can all be proud of these tangible results. Yet, we must acknowledge that despite these efforts, the proliferation of illicit firearms remains a serious concern, underscoring the need for continued regional action to reduce their flow.”

The conference marks a critical step in building partnerships, sharing intelligence, and advancing actionable solutions, laying the foundation for similar initiatives in the future. Together with the Ministry of Interior and regional partners, the OSCE Mission to Skopje remains committed to driving forward these efforts and strengthening the region’s resilience against organized crime.

THE HAGUE, 6 November 2024 – “This Award for Natur og Ungdom is a recommendation and a reminder that human rights violations cannot go unresolved,” said Gytis Blaževičius, Leader of Natur og Ungdom, when receiving the 2024 Max van der Stoel Award today.

“Western countries also have to walk the talk,” he added.

“It is a no brainer that all people, and especially minorities, have to be included and respected in the decision processes regarding the climate transition we have to go through. The transition has to be safe and just for everyone,” said Natur og Ungdom member and Sámi activist Elisabeth Regine Myrland.

They received the 2024 Max van der Stoel Award on behalf of Natur og Ungdom from Norway (Nature and Youth / Young Friends of the Earth Norway) at a ceremony attended by representatives from governments, civil society and international organizations at the Peace Palace in The Hague.

Presenting the award on behalf of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Netherlands, Paul van den IJssel, Ambassador for International Organisations, said “The work of Natur og Ungdom has not only helped safeguard Sámi traditions and culture but has also raised awareness of the vital role the Sámi play in preserving Norway’s natural environment. Their advocacy is a reminder that the protection of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship are interconnected. In protecting the rights of minorities, we protect our shared future. 

“So, it is with great pride and admiration that I congratulate Natur og Ungdom for their tireless efforts and remarkable achievements. Their work stands as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished when we recognize the strength in diversity. This work demands patience and resilience, and I wholeheartedly applaud Natur og Ungdom for it.”

OSCE Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Malta Ian Borg, extended his congratulations to the winners through a video message. In his address, Chair-in-Office Borg underlined that, “National minorities often face unique challenges, and their voices must be heard, particularly when it comes to decisions that affect their way of life and the environment they depend on. Natur og Ungdom’s work serves as a powerful example of how we can build bridges between communities to address these challenges together.”

Speaking on behalf of the Jury in his capacity as Chair of the 2024 Max van der Stoel Award Jury, former OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov said: “Natur og Ungdom provides an effective platform for young people aged between 13 and 25 from all communities in Norway to participate in public life. They advance the interests of minorities by giving a voice to Sámi youth, empowering them to protect their rights and traditional culture, and raising public awareness about the vital role that Sámi communities play in preserving and protecting Norway’s environmental heritage.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to congratulate Natur og Ungdom as the first Norwegian recipient of the Max van der Stoel Award,” said Ellen Svendsen, Permanent Representative of Norway to the OSCE. “Their dedication to empowering youth, advocating for the environment, and fostering community engagement plays a crucial role in creating a more viable future. The youth are not just the future, they are the present,” Svendsen concluded.

The Max van der Stoel Award – a prize of €50,000 – has been organized by the office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities and sponsored by the Dutch Foreign Ministry every two years since 2003. It is presented to a person, group or institution, in recognition of their extraordinary and outstanding achievements in improving the position of national minorities across the OSCE countries.

Max van der Stoel was appointed as the first OSCE High Commissioner in 1992 and served eight and a half years in the post. He was twice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and held seats in both the upper and lower houses of the Dutch Parliament. He served as Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the United Nations and was awarded the honorary title of Minister of State by the then Queen Beatrix.

Event material can be found here.