OSCE

CHIŞINĂU, 29 September 2025 – Moldova’s parliamentary elections were competitive and offered voters a clear choice between political alternatives, but the process was marred by serious cases of foreign interference, illegal funding, cyberattacks and widespread disinformation, notwithstanding the authorities’ efforts to respond, international observers said in a statement today.

The joint observation mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), and the European Parliament (EP) found that the legal framework provides a sound basis for holding democratic elections in line with international standards. A recent law introduced key improvements including clearer definitions of electoral corruption, tougher penalties, and better regulation of campaign financing. However, the frequent changes to the law and particularly shortly before these elections undermined effective implementation as well as legal certainty.

“Yesterday’s parliamentary elections in Moldova demonstrated a high level of commitment to democracy amid unprecedented hybrid threats coming from Russia,” said Paula Cardoso, Special Coordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term observers. “From illicit financing funnelled through shadowy networks to relentless disinformation campaigns eroding public trust, and brazen cybersecurity incidents designed to sow chaos, these tactics sought to manipulate Moldova’s democracy and sovereignty. Yet, the nation’s democratic tenacity prevailed and helped to ensure the integrity of the vote.

”These elections took place against the backdrop of unprecedented hybrid attacks, including illegal funding and disinformation and cyberattacks amid deep political polarisation over the country’s geopolitical orientation. In this context, the election authorities prepared professionally for the elections and were transparent in their work at all levels. There was high trust in their competency and efficiency. However, a number of decisions along partisan lines on certain controversial issues called into question their impartiality and independence. Election day was smooth and positively assessed in the vast majority of polling stations observed.

While voters had real political alternatives to choose between, some new eligibility requirements for contestants were overly burdensome and unclear. At the same time, the decision to declare two parties ineligible in the final days of the campaign limited their right to an effective remedy. Election disputes were generally handled efficiently, but some court decisions demonstrated varied understandings of new legislation affecting party eligibility.

"These elections showed that even unprecedented foreign interference and coordinated disinformation cannot derail Moldova’s European path, endorsed last year. We commend the electoral authorities for a well-run process and the people of Moldova for their calm, civic-minded participation", commented Chris Said, Head of the PACE delegation. "Voters had a broad choice, but inclusiveness suffered: last-minute deregistration of candidates and persistent obstacles for voters from the left bank of the Nistru may have discouraged some. We urge all institutions to safeguard pluralism and equal participation so that every citizen’s voice is heard in future elections.

"Despite increased efforts by the authorities to mitigate threats to cybersecurity it remained a serious concern, with the government’s digital infrastructure facing significant cyberattacks. The election authorities were the target of foreign cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns especially in the days before and on election day, aimed at undermining its public credibility by amplifying false information.

“In the face of sustained disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and other elements of hybrid warfare originating from Russia, Moldova has been actively targeted in efforts to undermine its institutions,” said Linnéa Wickman, Head of the OSCE PA delegation. “Despite these challenges, the country’s steadfast commitment to transparency and the proactive measures taken by its authorities and citizens have been key to preserving the integrity of the electoral process. This underscores the need for continued vigilance and strong protection of democratic principles.

”The competitive campaign was seriously impacted by the activities of an organised network funded by foreign sources that was credibly identified as coordinating targeted vote-buying schemes and disinformation campaigns. In the run-up to the elections, networks of accounts sometimes using AI generated videos, troll farms and automated bots spread manipulative narratives on social networks. While the authorities increased their efforts to counter this disinformation, its prevalence had a negative effect on the election campaign. The response of the platforms themselves to notifications they received from state authorities and civil society organisations was considered inadequate.“

On election day, we observed an electoral process conducted smoothly and without any notable irregularities. This can be attributed to the high level of competence demonstrated by the electoral staff, the majority of whom were women who performed their duties professionally,” said Michael Gahler, Head of the EP delegation. “We respect the free and unimpeded choice of the Moldovans to determine their future, the Russian Federation does not. In the run up to this election Russia interfered at an unprecedented scale with cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, intimidation and illicit financing and vote buying schemes, with a clear objective to substantially alter the results of the elections. Yet again they failed. We commend the determined and measured pushback against this malign election interfering by Russia and its local proxies.

”Moldova’s media landscape is diverse but polarised, which was mirrored in the news coverage of the election. Regrettably, observers heard many reports of intimidation and harassment of journalists. While the media gave candidates numerous opportunities to present their views and opinions through a variety of formats, the partisan coverage in some media outlets and limited investigative or analytical reporting hindered voters from making an informed decision on election day.

“The election authorities were professional and efficient. However, the deep political divisions in Moldovan society did not only mark the campaign but were also reflected at times in the election authorities’ decision making,” said Jillian Stirk, who heads ODIHR’s election observation mission. “Throughout the election process, Moldova has shown impressive resilience to the hybrid threats it has faced. While there is still work to be done, the election reforms that have been introduced so far show determination to build a strong democracy for the people of this country.”

The international election observation mission to the Moldovan parliamentary elections totalled 415 observers from 50 countries, consisting of 269 ODIHR experts and long- and short-term observers, 108 parliamentarians and staff from the OSCE PA, 24 from PACE, and 14 from the EP.

Media contacts:
Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: katya.andrusz@odihr.pl or +48 609 522 266
Nat Parry, OSCE PA: nat@oscepa.dk or +45 601 08 177
Ivi-Triin Odrats, PACE: ivi-triin.odrats@coe.int or +33 6 07 06 77 73
Raffaele Luise, EP: raffaele.luise@europarl.europa.eu or +32 473 865101

The event brought together representatives from nine cantonal police administrations, as well as the Federation Police Administration. Željka Šulc

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina organized a specialized training on collecting intelligence data from open-sources (OSINT), which concluded today in Sarajevo. Consistent application of intelligence-led policing (ILP) is key to ensuring that Bosnia and Herzegovina is well-prepared to effectively combat serious crime. The event brought together representatives from nine cantonal police administrations, as well as the Federation Police Administration.

“Open-source intelligence is a crucial tool in modern policing,” said Đorđe Đogović, Project Manager at the OSCE Mission to BiH. “It enables authorities to collect, verify, and analyze publicly available information in order to anticipate threats, track criminal activities, and support investigations. Its effective use strengthens decision-making, enhances situational awareness, and helps law enforcement act proactively while remaining in compliance with the law and safeguarding rights and legal standards.”

The workshop was held within the framework of the OSCE Mission to BiH project Enhancing Intelligence-led Policing to Combat Serious Security Threats and Crimes (ILP Project), generously supported by Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, and Türkiye.

598177 Training on the economic empowerment of women returnees/Guzal Fayzieva

A training seminar for women who returned from labour migration, aimed at expanding their economic opportunities, was held in the Tashkent region.

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan supported the event, which was organized by the Committee of Family and Women, the Committee on Tourism under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, and the Tashkent Regional Administration.

The seminar gathered around 100 participants, including women returnees, government representatives, experts, and media. The participants received both theoretical and practical knowledge, exchanged experiences in tourism and hospitality, and learned about opportunities to start and develop their own businesses.

“Women returning from labour migration bring with them not only valuable skills and experience but also the determination to contribute to the development of their communities. Unlocking this potential is key to inclusive economic growth,” said Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

The seminar was held within the framework of an OSCE extrabudgetary project Promoting Effective Female Labour Migration Governance and Economic Empowerment of Women Returnees . The project is implemented with the support of Germany, Norway, Türkiye, and the Republic of Korea.

HELSINKI, 29 September 2025 - The annual Chairpersonship Conference on Cyber/ICT Security, Resilient Cyberspace: Principles, Partnerships, and the Path Ahead, will take place in Helsinki from 30 September to 2 October 2025.

The conference will bring together high-level officials from the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation, as well as representatives of civil society, academia, the private sector, and other international organizations to discuss ways to enhance cyber resilience.

The conference agenda highlights the importance of respecting the commonly agreed norms on responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, enhancing multilateral co-operation, and the role of public-private partnerships in responding to cyber security threats. Discussions will explore how to respond to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and other emerging and disruptive technologies, and also examine their potential to have a positive impact on peace and security, and what kind of policies and actions are needed to seize that potential.

The conference provides an opportunity to continue the discussions of the previous Chairpersonship Conference on “Strengthening National Cyber Resilience”, held in Malta in 2024.

The OSCE has a clear and important role in promoting open, free, secure, and stable cyberspace. The Organization’s voluntary Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) have the potential to reduce tensions and enhance security and stability in cyberspace. These measures have inspired the wider global community to adopt similar ones.

Finland advocates for an open, free, secure and stable cyberspace where the rule of law, responsible state behaviour, democracy and human rights are respected. There is a clear need to advance the concrete implementation of international rules, norms and principles including responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

More information:

Meeri-Maria Jaarva
Senior Specialist
Task Force for the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship
Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Tel.:+358 295 350 814

Email: meeri-maria.jaarva@gov.fi

NEW YORK/VIENNA, 27 September 2025 - OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu concluded his visit to New York City today, where he attended the high-level week of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The visit was an opportunity to meet with the United Nations Secretary-General, as well as leaders and Foreign Ministers from across the OSCE region.

“We need multilateralism, we need to invest in it and redouble our efforts to relaunch dialogue, trust and cooperative security. The alternative is war and destruction,” noted Secretary General Sinirlioğlu.

The Secretary General met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, as well as Foreign Ministers Maka Botchorishvili of Georgia, Marko Djuric of Serbia, Elmedin Konaković of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sirojiddin Muhriddin of Tajikistan, and Bakhtiyor Saidov of Uzbekistan.

He also had meetings with Foreign Ministers Andrii Sybiha of Ukraine and Sergey Lavrov of the Russian Federation, where he reiterated the OSCE’s readiness to support efforts to end the war and possible confidence building measures, including the exchange of prisoners.

Secretary General Sinirlioğlu participated in the OSCE Ministerial Troika meeting alongside OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen of Finland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta Ian Borg, and Swiss Foreign Minister Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

The Secretary General saw US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and discussed OSCE matters at length with other US officials, including Senior Bureau Official Brendan Hanrahan.

In closing his visit, Secretary General Sinirlioğlu noted: “War is not inevitable, and could have been/could be prevented, as I was reminded this week in meetings with leaders who have chosen diplomacy and peace after years of confrontation. The OSCE remains firmly committed to advance dialogue to ensure peace for all its participating States.”  

598120 Maid Konjhodžić Edita Buçaj

Prishtinë / Priština, 26 September 2025

As part of its efforts to strengthen the analytical and operational capacity of the Kosovo Police, from 23 to 25 September, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo delivered an advanced training on criminal analysis to 20 analysts from the Department of Intelligence and Analysis and other analytical units within the Kosovo Police. The course aimed to enhance their ability to identify, assess, and respond to complex criminal activity by applying the advanced techniques in criminal behaviour analysis.

Participants explored a range of specialized topics, including competing hypotheses, crime pattern analysis, financial analysis, psychological profiling, and intelligence gathering and dissemination. The training emphasized a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating modern technology and innovative methodologies to strengthen crime prevention and investigative outcomes.

Delivered through expert-led lectures, practical exercises, case studies, and group discussions, the training offered hands-on experience in applying analytical tools to real-world criminal scenarios. Participants learned to develop and test hypotheses, detect crime patterns, and gain a deeper understanding of criminal motivations.

“Enhancing the analytical capabilities of the Kosovo Police is a key to advancing intelligence-led policing,” said Ambassador Gerard McGurk, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

“This training contributes to more effective investigations, supports public safety, and underscores our strong partnership and shared commitment to building a modern, responsive, and professional police service,” he added.

The skills gained will support enhanced operational decision-making, improved investigative accuracy, and more effective crime prevention strategies.

This initiative reflects the OSCE Mission’s continued commitment to supporting Kosovo’s law enforcement institutions in building professional, accountable, and community-oriented policing services.

598114 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The four-week training, held from 25 August to 19 September 2025 at the Border Troops Detachment in Khorog region, is part of the third phase of the EU-funded project “Stabilization of Tajikistan’s Southern Border Region with Afghanistan.”

Led by experienced national instructors, the course covered a wide range of operational topics, including topography, first aid related to battlefield injuries, tactical patrolling, national border regulations, gender awareness, risk assessment, and patrol report writing.

The curriculum also included specialized modules on international human rights commitments, focusing on the rights and treatment of detainees and refugees. In partnership with UNICEF and UNHCR trainers, participants received practical insights into working with adult and child migrants, as well as exposure to international best practices in border security.

This initiative demonstrates the continued commitment of the European Union and the OSCE to strengthen Tajikistan’s border security and institutional capacity through comprehensive, locally driven training programmes.

598102 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The three-week course took place from 1 to 19 September 2025 in Khorog, Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) under the framework of the EU-funded project “Stabilization of Tajikistan’s Southern Border Region with Afghanistan.”

Facilitated by experienced national instructors, the training enhanced participants’ skills in problem solving, command and control, briefing techniques, information and risk management, gender awareness, mission and exercise planning, as well as the control, execution, and understanding of decision-making processes in border security operations.

In addition, participants took part in interactive sessions delivered by UNHCR and UNICEF experts, focusing on international protection standards, child-sensitive approaches, and best practices in working with migrants and refugees.

This activity reflects the joint commitment of the European Union and the OSCE to strengthening Tajikistan’s border management capacities and supporting sustainable, locally led approaches to security and institutional development.

CHIŞINĂU, 26 September 2025 – International election observers will hold a press conference to present their findings following the parliamentary elections in Moldova.

What:

• A press conference of the international election observation mission to the parliamentary elections in Moldova
• The press conference can be attended in person or via Zoom (details below)
• You can also follow the livestream here

Who:

• Paula Cardoso, Special Co-ordinator and leader of the OSCE short-term observers
• Chris Said, Head of the PACE delegation
• Linnéa Wickman, Head of the OSCE PA delegation
• Michael Gahler, Head of the EP delegation
• Jillian Stirk, Head of the ODIHR election observation mission

When:

• 15:00 local time (GMT +3) on 29 September 2025

Where:

• Diamond Room, Courtyard by Marriott, 21/A Arborilor Street, Chișinău

Registration:

• To take part via Zoom, please register by 11:00 local time on 29 September using this link

The international election observation is a joint mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), and the European Parliament (EP). The observation mission totals 429 observers, made up of 281 ODIHR-deployed experts, long-term, and short-term observers, 109 parliamentarians and staff from the OSCE PA, 25 from PACE, and 14 from the EP.

For more information, please contact:

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: katya.andrusz@odihr.pl or +48 609 522 266

Nat Parry, OSCE PA: nat@oscepa.dk or +45 601 08 177

Ivi-Triin Odrats, PACE: ivi-triin.odrats@coe.int or +33 6 07 06 77 73

Raffaele Luise, EP: raffaele.luise@europarl.europa.eu or +32 473 865101

VIENNA, 25 September 2025 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ambassador Jan Braathu concluded his first official visit to Greece yesterday.

During his visit, Representative Braathu discussed current challenges to media freedom and the safety of journalists with Minister of Justice Georgios Floridis, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, as well as Secretary General for Communication and Information Dimitris Kirmikiroglu. Braathu also held consultations with investigative journalists, representatives of journalists’ unions, academia and members of Greece’s Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

“Greece has made significant strides since 2022 in enhancing journalist safety through a range of policy initiatives, training and capacity-building programmes,” Representative Braathu underlined. “I was informed of an ambitious and multi-faceted approach by the Government and I urge continued efforts together with representatives of journalists and media. I look forward to the implementation of the government Action Plan for media freedom and safety of journalists and stand ready to provide support and assistance to this end,” Braathu said.

One of the topics addressed was the ongoing work by the government task force, including representatives of journalists’ unions, on draft legislation to counter Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

“It is important not only to transpose the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive, which addresses cross-border cases, but also to adopt legislation countering domestic SLAPPs,” the Representative noted. He added that this development would represent a highly positive step and place Greece among the very few OSCE participating States that have a progressive legal framework aimed at countering all cases of SLAPPs.

Representative Braathu welcomed the legislative measures undertaken by Greece to strengthen the safety and legal protection of journalists and media professionals, including the decriminalization of defamation and the adoption of a collective labor agreement for public sector media and expressed the hope that the private sector media would follow this example as well. It was agreed to explore further co-operation with the International Training Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals in Thessaloniki. He also stated support for ongoing discussions on the creation of a self-regulatory Media Council in Greece.

The Representative raised the topic of the 2022 surveillance case, “Predatorgate”, as well as the murder of veteran crime reporter Giorgos Karaivaz in 2021, encouraging authorities to continue investigations and reiterating the importance of preventing impunity for crimes against journalists. Braathu underlined the importance of adhering to the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on the Safety of Journalists.

In various meetings, Braathu stressed the importance of editorial independence, promoting transparency in media ownership, and safeguarding media pluralism. Regarding the allocation of state advertising and support, he underlined that allocation should be based on objective and transparent criteria.

In line with his mandate, Representative Braathu reaffirmed his readiness to support Greek authorities at all levels in advancing reforms that promote media freedom and safety of journalists.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom

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.

598045

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".

598030

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.

598003

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.

597946

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.