You are here

Central Europe

Deadline for nominations for 2024 Max van der Stoel Award extended

OSCE - Fri, 03/22/2024 - 15:15

THE HAGUE, 22 March 2024 –The deadline for receiving nominations for the 2024 Max van der Stoel Award has been extended to 6 May 2024. The award of 50,000 euros recognizes extraordinary and outstanding achievements in improving the position of national minorities in the OSCE participating States.

Eligible candidates include international organizations, non-governmental organizations, research institutes, government bodies or individuals with a record of excellence in the field of improving the position and rights of national minorities in the OSCE area.

OSCE field operations, institutions, and delegations of the OSCE participating States may nominate candidates directly. Anyone else can propose an eligible candidate by contacting an OSCE institution, including the office of the HCNM, their local OSCE field operation or their delegation to the OSCE who will then decide whether to nominate the proposed candidate.

“In order to ensure transparency, fair competition and inclusiveness, my office will nominate all eligible and qualified candidates whose application it receives. I encourage all other OSCE entities to do the same by the 6 May deadline,” said OSCE HCNM Kairat Abdrakhmanov.

OSCE field operations, institutions and delegations should send their nominations directly to the office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities via email (mvds@hcnm.org), through the online form (maxvanderstoelaward.com) or by mail/diplomatic post to:

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
Max van der Stoel Award
Prinsessegracht 22
2514 AP The Hague
The Netherlands

After receiving all nominations, a special jury composed of distinguished experts of international repute and chaired by the High Commissioner will choose the winner. The award will be presented to the winner at a ceremony in The Hague in the autumn of 2024.

Established in 2001 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, the award honours Max van der Stoel, a prominent Dutch statesperson who was the first OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, and aims to draw attention to issues related to national minorities.

More information about the award is available in this factsheet.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Media Freedom Representative opens Safety of Journalists event, discusses media challenges during visit to Italy

OSCE - Fri, 03/22/2024 - 12:02

VIENNA, 22 March 2024 – Teresa Ribeiro, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), concluded a two-day visit to Italy where she discussed with her interlocutors the importance of ensuring the safety of journalists, the independence of public service media, and the crucial nexus between media freedom and security.

Part of the dialogue was also centered around one of Italy's most pressing challenges concerning media freedom: the criminalization of defamation. The current legal framework in Italy, which treats defamation as a criminal offense and, hence, exerts a chilling effect on journalistic activities, was underscored as detrimental to the vibrancy of Italy's media landscape. The legal developments on defamation foreseen by the authorities should therefore be regarded as an important step towards aligning national law with international standards. “I have, like the other Representatives before me, always advocated for the decriminalization of defamation, to end the chilling effect that even the potential of sanctions on the basis of such laws can have on media freedom. Defamation is a civil wrong that should be dealt with through private law.”

During the visit, Ribeiro met with the Undersecretary of State to the Ministry Justice Andrea Delmastro Delle Vedove and the Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of Council of Ministers Alberto Barachini Council of Ministers, as well as with Professor Francesco Vigano, a Judge at the Constitutional Court. She also met with Giacomo Lasorella, the President of the Italian Communication Regulatory Authority (AGCOM). "We agreed that it is imperative to continue to work together to uphold fundamental principles of media freedom and protect the invaluable role of journalists in society. In order to do so, we have to create an environment where journalists can carry out their work safely and without fear of reprisal,” Ribeiro stated.

The Office of the Representative, in collaboration with the Coordination Centre for Monitoring, Analysis, and Permanent Exchange of Information on Acts of Intimidation Against Journalists, organized an event on the Safety of Journalists. This event, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Interior, saw the participation of Ribeiro and Prefect Raffaele Grassi, who serves as the President of the Support Body of the Centre, and who inaugurated the proceedings. National Focal Points from OSCE Participating States actively participated in the meeting, offering insights into both challenges and best practices. They discussed topics like fostering closer collaboration between journalists' associations, judicial bodies, and law enforcement agencies, aiming to enhance journalistic safety.

“There can be no doubt about it: the situation for media freedom in the OSCE region is dire. But it is not beyond hope. I am fully convinced, and many experts and interlocutors I have encountered over the years in my work as a Representative on Freedom of the Media share the same conviction: the fight for media freedom must continue. It is a fight for freedom and for democracy,” Ribeiro concluded.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She 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.

Categories: Central Europe

ODIHR opens election observation mission in North Macedonia

OSCE - Thu, 03/21/2024 - 10:23

SKOPJE, 21 March 2024 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an election observation mission to North Macedonia for the 24 April presidential election and the 8 May parliamentary elections, following an invitation from the national authorities.

The mission is led by Ambassador Jillian Stirk and is composed of 12 international experts from 12 OSCE states, based in Skopje. 20 long-term observers will be deployed throughout the country from 27 March. ODIHR has also requested 300 short-term observers, to arrive shortly before election day.

The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards, as well as with national legislation. Observers will follow voter registration, candidate registration, campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies, implementation of the legislative framework, political and campaign finance and the resolution of election disputes. They will also assess the implementation of prior ODIHR recommendations. Comprehensive monitoring of the media is an integral part of the observation mission.

Throughout its observation, the mission will hold meetings with representatives of the national authorities, and political parties, as well as with the judiciary, civil society and the media.

The ODIHR mission will combine efforts on both election days with delegations from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the European Parliament, as well as with a delegation from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) for the parliamentary elections. They will observe the opening of polling stations, voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results.

An interim report will be published to update the public and the media during the course of the observation, and a statement of preliminary findings will be presented at press conferences on the day after each election. A final report summing up the observation of the entire electoral process will be published some months after the election process has ended.

Further information on ODIHR’s election observation activities in North Macedonia is available here: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/north-macedonia

Media contacts:

Laurens Teule, media analyst: laurens.teule@odihr.mk and +389 72 255 032

or

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson, at katya.andrusz@odihr.pl and +48 609 522 266  

Categories: Central Europe

118th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meeting takes place in Ergneti

OSCE - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 17:24

ERGNETI, 21 March 2024 – The 118th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) took place in Ergneti yesterday under the co-facilitation of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

The EUMM and OSCE co-facilitators welcomed participants and commended their commitment to the IPRM format. They called for pragmatism to find mutually acceptable practical solutions that respond positively and effectively to the human security needs of women and men living on both sides of the administrative boundary line (ABL).

At the meeting, the co-facilitators advocated for the lifting of freedom of movement restrictions during the upcoming Orthodox Easter holiday season, while reiterating their calls for the full re-opening of crossing points for regular cross-ABL traffic. The EUMM and OSCE also called on participants to discontinue the practice of detentions and urged a humanitarian approach towards the resolution of existing detention cases.

Discussions also focused on the recent security developments at the ABL, including the installation of physical barriers, such as fences and barbed wire, as well as activities of security actors.

All participants agreed that the upcoming agricultural season necessitates continued dialogue and acknowledged the benefits of technical meetings on water irrigation issues.

As in previous IPRM meetings, the participants commended the work of the EUMM-managed Hotline, underscoring it is an essential tool to exchange information, defuse tensions and manage incidents in a timely manner.

The participants agreed to convene the next regular IPRM meeting on 16 May 2024 and to hold a technical meeting on water irrigation issues on 26 April 2024.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Presence, Albania’s parliament sign Memorandum of Understanding strengthening ongoing partnership

OSCE - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 16:02
565036

Acting Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Clarisse Pasztory and Speaker of the Assembly of Albania Lindita Nikolla signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to renew and strengthen the partnership between the two institutions. The Memorandum creates a general framework and sets guidelines for the co-operation between the Presence and parliament with regard to the programme “Support to Parliament of the Republic of Albania”.

“The Assembly will continue to strengthen the successful partnership with the OSCE Presence to advance democratization reforms and Albania’s European integration”, Nikolla stressed at the signing event.

“We are proud to stand as a steadfast partner of the Albanian Assembly. We stand ready to work together in enhancing the quality of legislation, legislative services, political representation and oversight. The OSCE in Albania remains committed to supporting the Assembly in these efforts,” said Pasztory.

According to the Memorandum, the Presence will support the Assembly to improve its legislative, oversight and representative functions, as well as the parliamentary administration to fulfil their functions in an efficient, effective and inclusive way. The Presence and the Assembly will also co-operate to enhance parliament’s interaction with citizens, and to develop and introduce innovative tools for an integrated and transparent legislative system that improves access to consolidated laws and parliamentary records.

The Presence is a long-term partner of the Assembly of Albania, in line of its mandate to assist Albania’s efforts to consolidate effective democratic institutions and to promote the rule of law and human rights in conformity with the OSCE principles, standards and commitments.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE completes training course on avalanche safety within EU-funded project for Tajikistan's Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence

OSCE - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 12:41
Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe completed a capacity-building training course on avalanche safety for representatives of Tajikistan’s Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence (CoESCD) on 15 March 2024 in the Varzob district, outskirts of Dushanbe.  The event was conducted as part of the OSCE’s project on the Stabilization of Tajikistan’s southern borders with Afghanistan, funded by the European Union. 

Designed to enhance preparedness and response capabilities, the two-week course boasted a cohort of 20 participants, including 18 rescuers and two national instructors. The participants, all male, represented Rapid Response Units strategically stationed across Tajikistan's Sughd, Khatlon, and Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province (GBAO) regions.Focusing on critical skills such as the identification of avalanche zones, risk assessment procedures, and the proficient handling of search, extraction, and transportation operations for victims, the course was set to elevate the expertise and readiness of the country's emergency response teams. Practical sessions were conducted in the avalanche danger zones of the Maikhura base of the CoESCD in Varzob district. When weather conditions allowed, participants used the knowledge in practice in the avalanche-prone zone. During the training’s delivery, more than 40 avalanches were registered. Participants got immediate and practical experience and were involved in extracting 50 vehicles from snow and providing transportation for victims.

As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthen Tajikistan's capacity to respond to natural disasters and ensure stability on the border area, this initiative exemplifies collaborative efforts between OSCE, the European Union and local authorities, with a shared goal of ensuring the safety and security of the region. 

Categories: Central Europe

ODIHR observers to North Macedonia’s presidential and parliamentary elections to hold press conference on Thursday

OSCE - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 10:25

SKOPJE, 20 March 2024 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a press conference on the opening of the election observation mission to the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in North Macedonia on Thursday 21 March.

What: 

  • An introduction to the role of the ODIHR election observation mission and its planned activities

Who: 

  • Jillian Stirk, Head of the ODIHR election observation mission

When: 

  • 11:00 local time (GMT+1) on 21 March.

Where:

  • DoubleTree by Hilton, Bulevar ASNOM 17, Skopje

Registration:

  • No registration is necessary but only questions from journalists will be taken.

For further information on ODIHR’s election observation activities in North Macedonia, please visit:  https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/north-macedonia

Media Contact:

Katya Andrusz ODIHR Spokesperson, katya.andrusz@odihr.pl or +48 609 522 266 and Laurens Teule, ODIHR EOM Media Analyst, laurens.teule@odihr.mk or +389 72 255 032

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE addresses connection between gender, corruption and natural resources

OSCE - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 11:44
564988

On 13 March 2024, the OSCE Gender Issues Programme WIN Project, co-hosted together with Italy and Ireland, a side event titled "No Woman’s Land: Unpacking the Nexus and Finding Solutions on Gender, Corruption and Access to Natural Resources" at the margins of the 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) in New York.

The event, chaired by the OSCE Senior Advisor on Gender Issues Lara Scarpitta, brought together international and civil society experts as well as academia and provided a platform for panellists and experts to explore the nexus between gender and corruption, particularly focusing on its impact on women's access to natural resources. The political, environmental, social and economic ramifications of corruption were also discussed.

In her recorded opening remarks, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid emphasized the impact of corruption, stating that “Corruption is not gender neutral and it affects women disproportionally. This is why we need targeted and gender-responsive policies. It is time to unlock women’s potential in fighting corruption and to remove any barrier that stands in their way to full empowerment in our societies.”

The new research on "Gender and Corruption in the Access to Natural Resources: Preliminary Findings," was presented during the side event. The report examines how women’s economic empowerment and participation in decision-making are affected by corruptive practices in four sectors: water, land, forestry and extractive industries.

Participants also discussed the pervasive nature of corruption across various contexts such as peace and mediation efforts and in humanitarian settings. Speakers highlighted the advantages and necessity of integrating women into decision-making processes, especially in humanitarian settings and in the field of mediation and negotiations for access to critical natural resources such as water and land.

In addition, experts addressed best practices for empowering women, promoting women’s leadership and ensuring gender equality in the management of natural resources. Speakers made recommendations for policymakers to promote gender-responsive policies and approaches.

Speakers included Dr. Michael Breen (Professor, Dublin City University), Joachime Nason (Head of the Humanitarian Section, EU Delegation to the UN in New York), Dr. Ayse Betul Celik (Professor, Sabanci University & Mediterranean Women’s Mediators Network) and Maria Victoria Cabrera Balleza (Chief Executive Officer, Global Network of Women Peacebuilders). 

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE supports the first online international training board meeting on explosive hazards

OSCE - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 07:10
564964 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 15 March 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe’s Integrated Co-operation on Explosive Hazards (ICExH) programme organized the 1st Online International Training Board meeting for the respective governmental structures of Central Asia and the OSCE field operations in Central Asia.

The meeting was initiated as per the request of the board members who participated in the 2nd International Training Board meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye on 14-15 December 2023 and who recognized the need for a follow-up meeting of board members to ensure up-to-date information sharing.

The main aim of the meeting was to further discuss challenges, best practices, and ways forward in the management and implementation of training courses and related activities on explosive hazard reduction and response. The event also provided a platform to integrate the needs and priorities of key beneficiaries and training partners in the process of planning, developing and implementing activities in 2024.

The meeting served as a regional forum for dialogue on future collaboration among main interlocutors. Particularly it provided the latest updates on the 2024 training plan and identified further national and organizational needs and priorities for strengthening co-operation in the domain of training and professional development in support of explosive hazard reduction and response. Participants discussed joint activities planned in Central Asia in 2024 and the importance of active engagement of the focal points and the OSCE field operations in facilitating the upcoming training. 

The event was attended by the respective Ministries of Defence and Border Troops of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, the OSCE field operations in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, Norwegian People’s Aid and Tajikistan’s National Mine Action Centre. It brought together 30 specialists and practitioners from the military, law enforcement, security services, humanitarian agencies, and international organizations. 

This activity corresponds to the wider OSCE role to serve as a forum for political dialogue on a wide range of security issues and a platform for joint action to improve the lives of individuals and communities in Central Asia.

Categories: Central Europe

Moldova’s 2023 local elections: ODIHR election observation mission final report

OSCE - Mon, 03/18/2024 - 16:37
479954 Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Katya Andrusz

Moldova’s 2023 local elections were peaceful and managed efficiently, but interference from abroad and restrictions on freedom of expression due to national security concerns had a negative impact. The influx of illicit and foreign funds and the monetary incentives used to influence voters’ choice distorted the campaign. Contestants were able to campaign freely and voters were provided with distinct alternatives, but the de-registration of all candidates of one party on the eve of the elections limited voters’ choice.

These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on the 5 November elections published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The report offers 31 recommendations to bring elections further in line with OSCE commitments, as well as other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.

Key recommendations include:

  • Establishing effective parliamentary control over decisions of the Commission for Exceptional Situations when elections are held during a state of emergency;
  • Taking measures to ensure the independence of the Central Election Commission, including a review of the current composition of the CEC ahead of the next presidential and parliamentary elections;
  • Guaranteeing the right to vote to anyone who changes their residence close to election day;
  • Guaranteeing timely and effective legal remedy on decisions related to de-registration of candidates;
  • Discouraging contestants and high-ranking officials from using their public office and government-funded projects to gain an unfair electoral advantage during the campaign;
  • Ensuring that broadcasting rights are not suspended or withdrawn unless the broadcaster is held to be in serious and repeated breach of a legitimate restriction on content by the media regulator or the court;
  • Revising legislation to ensure the independence of the management of the public broadcaster and the media regulator and the stability of members' tenure;
  • Mandating that the dissemination of media content can not be prohibited except when law provides for such measures serving legitimate aims in line with the principles of necessity and proportionality;
  • Mandating that the election results be promptly published on the Central Election Commission website, disaggregated by polling station, and available in an accessible format;
  • Regulating that the second round of mayoral elections take place only after the final decisions on appeals against election results have been reached.

ODIHR deployed an Election Observation Mission on 28 September 2023 to observe the local elections. All 57 participating States across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.

Categories: Central Europe

Media literacy among citizens of Montenegro can improve, education is key, shows OSCE-supported survey

OSCE - Mon, 03/18/2024 - 11:10
564895 Marina Živaljević

There is nearly unanimous consensus among citizens of Montenegro (92 per cent) that media literacy is of great importance. However, 62 per cent of respondents rate the media literacy of Montenegrin citizens as poor, and understanding the internet and social networks appear to be at an insufficient level. Education is widely recognized as a key measure to improve media literacy.

These are some of the key findings of public opinion research “Media Literacy in Montenegro”, commissioned by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and conducted by IPSOS Agency, a joint activity with the Ministry of Culture and Media and the Agency for Electronic Media (AEM).1,003 citizens aged between 16 and 75 were interviewed in the research during the months of June and July 2023. 

Vladimir Raičević from IPSOS said that, when specifically asked how they would verify the accuracy of a contradictory information on the internet, only 27 per cent of respondents would analyze the characteristics of the websites where they found the information, 26 per cent would seek the opinion of experts in the relevant field.

“The research also recognized the need to cultivate media literacy among citizens, particularly among both older and younger age groups, each facing distinct challenges in assessing media information. Older adults and elders (aged 30-75) acknowledge that the youngest are most susceptible to accepting false information, primarily due to their limited life experience and unfamiliarity with the political landscape. On the other hand, younger individuals (aged 16-25) see elders (aged 65+) as a vulnerable group due to their deficiency in digital skills and lack of critical reflection on news/greater trust in the media,” said Raičević.

Television is still both the most used “traditional” medium and generally the source of information about national and international events – 74 per cent of respondents say that they use TV as a source of information at least several times a week, while 60 per cent do this every day. Online media, such as news web portals, internet dailies, media agencies’ applications and news blogs, are the second most common source of news – 68 per cent of respondents use them to get informed several times a week or more frequently, and social networks are at a similar level. Responsibility for disseminating unverified content is predominantly attributed to online media.

Head of the OSCE Mission, Dominique Waag, said that this survey provides a baseline for the Mission, the Ministry and the Agency, as well as interested stakeholders, for instance in the sector of education, for the level of media literacy present in Montenegro. “It will help shape media literacy activities and initiatives in the future. Research shows two elements: first, investing in media literacy and education in schools, enabling students to understand how to decipher media messages, is crucial, as the only sustainable, long-term answer to challenges of the digital age. Second element refers to the importance of the role of professional journalists. Media can be an antidote to false and misleading information, providing citizen with fact-checked information, mitigating the impact of hate speech and offering pluralistic points of view. Professional, ethical and investigative journalists, serving a public interest, have to be praised,” said Ambassador Waag.

Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović said that in today’s digital era, we are witnessing that the quantity of information and offered media content, which are more available than ever, are not necessarily followed by the quality. “On the contrary, we often encounter malignant phenomena such as disinformation, various forms of manipulation and sensationalism, fake news... Therefore, it is clear how important media literacy is in suppressing the aforementioned phenomena. Unfortunately, we still cannot boast of great results when it comes to the state of media literacy in Montenegro. According to the research of the NGO ‘Institute for Open Society’ from Sofia, which was used for the purposes of drafting the 2023-2027 Media Strategy in 2021, Montenegro found itself at the very bottom of the scale when it comes to media literacy. The Ministry of Culture and Media has taken a number of steps to improve the state of media literacy among our citizens,” said Minister Vujović and recalled that the first Media Strategy with its 2023-2024 Action Plan has been recently adopted, emphasizing the need for strengthening media literacy among citizens. “The Ministry is determined in its approach to support the development of media literacy among citizens. Media literacy is not only a challenge for our government or institutions. It is a challenge for every individual in our society. I invite all citizens to take an active role in acquiring media literacy through education, research, asking questions and to critically analyze the information we consume. That’s the only way we can become resistant to manipulations, half-information and misinformation,” concluded the minister.

The Director of the Agency for Electronic Media Sunčica Bakić said that AEM has recognized the importance of media literacy for the development of a democratic society quite early in its work. “The support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro has resulted in a significant improvement of the strategy and activities being implemented. Our co-operation and activities have aimed to develop media literacy among three target groups: media professionals, parents and educators, and children. In addition to these three target groups, starting this year, we are expanding the scope of joint co-operation and launching activities to improve media literacy for adults,” said Bakić, adding that efforts to raise the level of media literacy cannot be observed in the short term, but result remain to be seen in the future.

Categories: Central Europe

New laser system to prevent illegal use of weapons

OSCE - Mon, 03/18/2024 - 09:28

SKOPJE, 18 March 2024 – The introduction of a new system for the management of deactivated firearms, made possible by donations from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the OSCE Mission to Skopje, will help prevent weapons misuse and improve safety throughout North Macedonia.

The firearm laser marking machine, installed in the Ministry of Interior, will mark deactivated firearms in a specialized and permanent manner. These weapons will now be systematically recorded, thereby improving their traceability. Additionally, deactivation certificates, equipped with protective features to prevent counterfeiting, will be introduced alongside the marking process.

"We have supported the fight against the misuse of small arms and light weapons through various activities because we believe this is an efficient way to increase the level of safety of Macedonian citizens,” said Armen Grigoryan, UNDP Resident Representative. “With the procurement of this firearm laser marking machine, and the previously installed microscope for analyzing gunshot residues, we have significantly strengthened the technical capacities of the Ministry of Interior to more effectively address and prevent the illegal use of firearms."

The joint interventions by UNDP and the OSCE Mission to Skopje help the country meet its obligations in the implementation of the regulations on marking imported and deactivated firearms, as well as meeting international and European Union standards on managing small arms and light weapons.

“Today’s donation will enable the Ministry of Interior to issue deactivation certificates aligned with international standards and effectively strengthen weapons control,” said Ambassador Kilian Wahl, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. This has a positive effect not only on the lives of the people in the country but also on the rest of Europe, as weapons originating from this region were often used in crimes and even terrorist attacks elsewhere.”

UNDP's donation is funded by the governments of Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom and Norway through the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap Multi-Partner Trust Fund, which is supported by the European Union. The OSCE Mission to Skopje's donation is funded by Belgium, the European Union, France, Germany, Norway, Slovakia, and the United States of America.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE and ICCT hold expert seminar on artificial intelligence, preventing and countering violent extremism to discuss challenges and opportunities

OSCE - Fri, 03/15/2024 - 16:32
Communication and Media Relations Section Dane Koruga

On 14 March 2024, the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Representative on the Freedom of the Media (RFoM) held an expert meeting to discuss challenges and opportunities affiliated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT). The meeting, which took place in Тhe Hague, the Netherlands, was organized in close co-operation with the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT).

The event brought together representatives of international organizations, academia, civil society and the private sector. The participants highlighted issues such as the existing challenges in addressing violent extremist and terrorist use of AI, and emerging technologies, ensuring a human rights-compliant use of such technologies by all stakeholders who work on P/CVERLT, as well as working around the challenges with  bias in AI algorithms.

“While AI tools hold limitless potential for innovation and efficiency, enabling tasks ranging from complex data analysis to the automation of routine processes, the potential for their misuse in activities by terrorists and violent extremists cannot be overstated,“ said Irfan Saeed, Head of the Transnational Threats Department’s Action against Terrorism Unit  in his opening remarks.

Thirteen experts provided insight from their research and work on AI in preventing and countering terrorism, including the way that terrorists and violent extremists constantly adapt to the technological reality, being unhindered by regulatory systems, and already exploit AI to benefit their own narrative. In addition, speakers stressed how AI underpins today’s information ecosystem and challenges free speech, media freedom, and counter-terrorism efforts. The speakers also provided examples of how AI tools can, when used in a human rights-based manner, be a helpful resource for law enforcement, civil society and others working on P/CVERLT to promote inclusive democracy.

Insight and recommendations from the expert community will help shape the OSCE’s work on the role of AI in P/CVERLT. The OSCE prioritizes media and information literacy, including AI-related, as a P/CVERLT strategy. Youth inclusion, human rights compliance and gender awareness are key to this work, which is carried out through technical capacity-building of multi-stakeholder groups, policy guidance and awareness of good practices and new initiatives.

With the advent of AI, this initiative also draws on the comprehensive work by the RFoM, including its Policy Manual “Spotlight on Artificial Intelligence and Freedom of Expression”. In addition, the OSCE is working on the development of an e-learning course on the use of open-source intelligence tools to enhance media and information literacy in the context of P/CVERLT for non-law enforcement stakeholders.

Categories: Central Europe

Ukraine appoints three experts following invocation of the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism

OSCE - Fri, 03/15/2024 - 13:10
Public Affairs Unit, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

On 29 February 2024 and following consultation with Ukraine, 45 OSCE participating States invoked the Moscow Mechanism in order to “address arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Ukrainian civilians by the Russian Federation. More specifically, the tasks of the mission of experts will include those outlined below.*

Ukraine has now selected three people from the list of experts to be part of the mission.

The Moscow Mechanism provides the opportunity for participating States to send missions of experts to assist in the resolution of a particular question or problem relating to the human dimension, which entails the commitments made by participating States on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Further information is available here.

In relation to Ukraine, the Moscow Mechanism was last invoked by 45 participating States following consultations with Ukraine in March 2023 to “address the Deportation of Children amidst Human Rights Violations and Humanitarian Impacts of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine”.

Any information relevant to the work of the Moscow Mechanism can be sent to the following email address no later than 31 March 2024: moscowmechanism2024@odihr.pl. This will be forwarded in confidence to the expert mission.

The 45 countries that have invoked the Moscow Mechanism on this occasion are: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

*“build upon previous findings and establish the facts and circumstances surrounding possible contraventions of relevant OSCE commitments, violations and abuses of human rights, and violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as possible cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity, associated with or resulting from the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Ukrainian civilians by the Russian Federation; and to collect, consolidate, and analyze this information with a view to offer recommendations, as well as provide the information to relevant accountability mechanisms, as well as national, regional, or international courts or tribunals that have, or may in future have, jurisdiction”.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE workshop dives into virtual asset taxation in Yerevan

OSCE - Fri, 03/15/2024 - 12:00
564839

The OSCE gathered 18 participants from the State Revenue Committee and the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia to dive into virtual asset taxation during a workshop organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) on 14-15 March in Yerevan.

Through interactive case studies and practical examples, participants examined the complexities of taxing various virtual asset transactions, from crypto mining and staking to the taxation of digital art and virtual real estate in the Metaverse. The workshop also covered critical regulatory frameworks, including international standards and upcoming regulations that will shape the future of virtual asset taxation.

Participants engaged in detailed discussions on the unique challenges of taxing virtual assets compared to traditional assets, emphasizing the necessity of understanding the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies. They also had the opportunity to exchange opinions with representatives from the National Bank of Georgia on virtual assets taxation, which provided additional perspectives and insights into regional practices and challenges in the field.

A key focus of the workshop was compliance and enforcement strategies, highlighting the importance of robust mechanisms for monitoring and regulating virtual asset service providers. Participants discussed best practices in record-keeping, reporting and addressing the jurisdictional challenges inherent in the decentralized nature of digital assets.

"The digital financial landscape is continuously evolving, bringing to the fore the critical need for comprehensive regulations, particularly concerning virtual assets. As these assets become increasingly integral to our financial systems, understanding their implications and establishing robust frameworks for their taxation is paramount," said Vera Strobachova-Budway, Senior Economic Officer at OCEEA.

"The collaborative environment and the exchange of insights and experiences are invaluable in shaping proactive and informed policies in the face of the digital economy's complexities," she added.

The workshop is part of an OSCE-led extra-budgetary project on “Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets”, funded by Germany, 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 and cryptocurrencies.

Categories: Central Europe

Empowering Women Judges in Kazakhstan through International Exchange

OSCE - Fri, 03/15/2024 - 11:52
564827 For Media inquires

On 14-15 March 2024, women judges from Kazakhstan and around the world convened for a two-day hybrid workshop in Astana entitled “Women judges: professional exchange of experience and international co-operation” in Astana. Aligned with the International Day of Women Judges on 10 March, the event was dedicated to fostering collaboration and sharing expertise to promote gender equality within the judicial system and enhance the rule of law.

The workshop, organized in co-operation with the Supreme Court, commenced with an official opening by Aslambek Mergaliyev, Chairperson of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Welcoming speeches were delivered by Dr. Volker Frobarth, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana; Elvira Azimova, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan; and Yelena Maksyuta, judge of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan.

The first day of the workshop featured two engaging sessions, providing an opportunity for insightful discussions among esteemed women judges and legal experts. The first session centered on the importance of international collaboration among women judges and the establishment of their national associations. Robyn Tupman, Secretary/Treasury of the Australian Association of Women Judges, shared methods of international support for national associations, while Jacob Bonnevie, OSCE/ODIHR Rule of Law Adviser, offered insights on gender dynamics within the judiciary. Dr. Sabina Garahan, lecturer at Essex School of Law (UK), presented recommendations from a comparative study of women judges’ associations across the OSCE region, while Dr. Khalida Azhigulova, human rights defender and gender expert in the justice sector (Kazakhstan), emphasized the role of women's associations in the justice system.

The subsequent session explored experiences in establishing and managing national associations of women judges. Chinara Aidarbekova, judge of the Constitutional Court of the Kyrgyz Republic, shared insights from the Kyrgyz Association of Women Judges, focusing on strategies for improving access to justice for vulnerable groups. Margaret Glentworth, a retired District Judge and Nominated Judge of the Court of Protection (UK), discussed effective organizational practices of the Association of Women Judges in the United Kingdom. Adisa Zahiragic, judge of the Cantonal Court in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), highlighted the influence of the Association of Women Judges on judicial proceedings in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Finally, Nazgul Rakhmetullina, judge of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, led a discussion on media engagement strategies among judges in Kazakhstan.

The second day featured interactive discussions facilitated by experienced judges and legal experts. Discussions explored the advantages and challenges faced by women judges’ associations and delved into the contribution of these associations to equal access to justice for vulnerable groups. Amongst discussions, participants showcased presentations of statutes of national associations of women judges, outlining their missions and objectives.

The workshop was organized under the extrabudgetary project of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana “Improving the effectiveness of the justice system in Kazakhstan” and aimed to promote gender equality, empower women in the judicial system, and enhance the effectiveness of the judicial system through the exchange of knowledge and best practices between associations of women judges.

Categories: Central Europe

More determined efforts needed to combat anti-Muslim prejudice amidst surge in hatred, OSCE says

OSCE - Fri, 03/15/2024 - 09:36

VALLETTA/WARSAW/ANKARA, 15 March 2024 – Amidst an increase in prejudice and violence against Muslims in a growing number of countries, greater efforts are needed to build dialogue and counter anti-Muslim hatred, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe said in a statement on today’s International Day to Combat Islamophobia.

The Chair-in-Office of the OSCE, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta Ian Borg stated that “On this day, we are reminded of our collective duty to counter prejudice and embrace diversity” emphasising that “Our strength lies in our unity and our unwavering resolve to foster societies where dialogue prevails over confrontation, understanding over fear and tolerance over prejudice – a society where fundamental freedoms and human rights are protected and enjoyed by all.” Minister Borg called on all participating States “to intensify commitments and actions towards this crucial endeavour, striving to nurture an environment where every person can live free from hate and discrimination.”

Hatred against people from specific religious or belief communities rarely takes place in isolation, often going hand in hand with other forms of intolerance. Violence and discrimination do not only harm the individuals and communities concerned, but can also undermine security across the OSCE region, with tensions potentially escalating into wider conflicts.

There has been an upsurge in hatred against Muslims especially since the renewed outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East in October last year, with online and offline hate speech, threats and violence having a negative impact on Muslim communities, particularly women and girls. OSCE states have recognized the need for political leaders and parliamentarians to reject and condemn manifestations of racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Muslims and other religious groups, while continuing to respect freedom of expression.

“Negative stereotypes and acts of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims have increased in recent years, making it all the more important to take urgent action and ensure we avoid stigmatisation or inflammatory rhetoric,” said ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci. “At the same time, we are encouraged by the growing recognition that more dialogue and understanding are needed. I am convinced this must remain a crucial contribution to successfully counter prejudice and anti-Muslim hatred.”

All OSCE participating States have committed to combating discrimination and hate crime, and it is the primary responsibility of governments to ensure all citizens are safe, whatever their background, and to promote respect and dialogue. Supporting countries across the OSCE region in combating anti-Muslim hate crime is a key area of ODIHR’s work, but while data on Anti-Muslim hatred is available in ODIHR’s hate crime database, many victims across the OSCE area are reluctant to report their experiences to the authorities. Victims of hate often turn to civil society organizations to report a crime, seek support, and access the services they need. Through genuine collaboration with civil society, states can develop efficient and targeted activities to tackle hate crime and meet the differing needs of individual victims.

Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right that states the right of each individual to have, adopt, or leave a religion or belief. At its core is the understanding that respecting our differences is the only way for us to live together peacefully. Against this backdrop,  dialogue and understanding between religions and cultures emerge as a pivotal instrument, offering a platform for open, respectful exchanges that transcend religious boundaries. Through these meaningful interactions, we can discover common ground, appreciate our differences, and forge an inclusive and harmonious path forward.

The Personal Representative of the Chair-in-Office on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims, Ambassador Evren Dagdelen Akgun, noted that “Cases of deliberate attempts to tarnish the sanctity of Islam, of Muslims being stereotyped, attacked; instances of their beliefs belittled or culture represented as a threat and justified in the guise of security concerns are widespread, even normalized in some countries.” She underlined that “efforts to address these problems in their entirety will not only contribute to harmonious societies but also to international peace.” Dagdelen Akgun urged all participating states to search for ways to effectively implement their commitments.

Acknowledging the discrimination and hatred many Muslims face worldwide, the United Nations has declared March 15 the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. All OSCE states have committed to fighting prejudice, intolerance and discrimination against Muslims and members of other religions.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Transnational Threats Department training course partners with Ukrainian border guards to identify forged documents and imposters

OSCE - Thu, 03/14/2024 - 17:18
564812 Communication and Media Relations Section David Dadge

Identifying forged documents and impostors at border crossing points was the focus of a two-week training course held from 4 to 15 March 2024 by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department. This course, which included both an introductory and an advanced component, took place in Krakow Poland in close co-operation with the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

The hands-on training was delivered by experts from the Forensic Center of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine to a training cohort of 28 border guards, including 19 women and nine men. The two Ukrainian experts had earlier completed an OSCE Training of Trainers course held in July 2023. This was the first time that experts trained through this project were used to share the knowledge they acquired with their peers.  

Participants improved their knowledge of the latest trends in the forgery of documents and the diversity of new travel document security features. They strengthened their technical expertise and practical skills in detecting counterfeit documents by conducting document verification using the Doculus Lumus magnifiers donated by the OSCE. Participants worked on real travel and identification documents in analyzing the techniques for forgery that lead to traveling on a stolen identity.

As the State Border Guard Service continues to confront the challenges caused by Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, participants noted the importance of improving their skills through training opportunities such as this course to also enable them to continue to learn and develop in very challenging circumstances.

The surge in border crossing at points on Ukraine’s western and southern borders since 24 February 2022 have resulted in an increased diversity of documents being used with a wider variety of national documents from around the world, a challenge that this training meets directly.

The training cycle will continue with a Training of Trainers course for a smaller cadre of participants selected from this group later this year. This is part of an ongoing project focused on supporting OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation in their efforts to reduce the number of people that manage to illegally cross borders using a fake or stolen identity or by posing as an impostor. This project is funded by the United States of America through its Mission to the OSCE.

Categories: Central Europe

Developing national capacities to strengthen cybersecurity

OSCE - Thu, 03/14/2024 - 15:45
564809 Communication and Media Relations Section David Dadge

Promoting the responsible use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by OSCE participating States was the focus of a two-day training event held in Belgrade, Serbia on 13 and 14 March. With the continued digitalization of societies, states are increasingly using ICTs to pursue their objectives. However, in a borderless domain such as cyberspace, this can lead to misperception and a lack of transparency.

The training event, organized by the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department with the support of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, focused on strengthening national cyber resilience and increasing regional co-operation. This ensures that countries are better prepared for threats from cyberspace and work collectively to address them.

Igor Kuželka, Acting Assistant Minister for Security Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, underlined “the importance that the Republic of Serbia attaches to cyber security as a complex global and current security challenge. We remain open to all types of international co-operation, especially within the OSCE, as one of the most important partners in this area”

Thirty-three participants from Eastern and South-Eastern Europe participated in the event. Led by expert speakers, participants identified regional capacity-building priorities, promoted the inclusion of non-state actors in national approaches to cybersecurity and provided updates on relevant national developments.

“The OSCE Mission has been actively supporting Serbia in developing activities related to OSCE confidence-building measures such as awareness raising, national strategies and programmes, focal points, capacity building, effective communication channels, private-public partnership, and critical infrastructure,” said Ambassador Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia. “Our partnership is aimed at enhancing Serbia's increased ability to address cybersecurity threats by working closely with national counterparts.”

On the second day, participants engaged in a table-top exercise to explore the practical applicability of the OSCE’s 16 cyber/ICT security confidence-building measures (CBMs). CBMs are practical measures which address misperceptions and misunderstandings in cyberspace by fostering transparency, communication and co-operation between States.

The training event was delivered as part of the “Activities and customized support for the implementation of OSCE cyber/ICT security confidence-building measures” project, with the financial support of the United Kingdom.

Categories: Central Europe

OSCE Presence organizes joint training on environmental enforcement for inspectors, police and prosecutors in Albania

OSCE - Wed, 03/13/2024 - 17:59
Baseline assessment on the inspection, investigation and punishment of environmental contraventions and crimes in Albania OSCE Presence in Albania presents preliminary findings of public survey, training need assessment on environmental governance

From 11 to 13 March 2024, the OSCE Presence in Albania trained over 40 police officers, prosecutors, environmental inspectors and experts on the identification, investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes.

The participants – from Vlora, Gjirokastra, Fier, Durrës, Tirana and Dibra regions – learned through case studies, simulation exercises and group work aimed at strengthening the multi-agency character of environmental issues.

By leveraging the expertise of two internationals and one national trainer, the participants were equipped with cutting-edge insights on how to effectively address environmental challenges and investigation using good practices in the region. They stressed the need for inter-institutional co-operation and mutual understanding of roles at local level in tackling environmental challenges. The environmental inspectors said that the unclear legal division between various institutions hinder their work during field inspections.

“The Presence has been promoting inter-institutional co-operation to tackle environmental contraventions and crimes through various efforts involving environmental inspectors, police and prosecution offices in the country. The ultimate aim is for the participants to cultivate a culture of collaboration, joint expertise, and proactive engagement on how to navigate the complexities of inspection, identification, prevention and prosecution of these crimes”, said Elton Qëndro, National Programme Officer and Project Manager at the OSCE Presence.

The training sessions built upon a baseline assessment on inspection, investigation, and punishment of environmental contraventions and crimes, and a training needs assessment on environmental governance, both initiated by the Presence.

These activities are part of the project “Enhancing environmental governance and security in Albania”, which is implemented by the OSCE Presence in Albania and funded by Norway, France and Italy.

Categories: Central Europe

Pages

THIS IS THE NEW BETA VERSION OF EUROPA VARIETAS NEWS CENTER - under construction
the old site is here

Copy & Drop - Can`t find your favourite site? Send us the RSS or URL to the following address: info(@)europavarietas(dot)org.