Strengthening the fight against firearms trafficking in the Western Balkans

The Western Balkans remain a significant source of illicit firearms, posing critical security challenges both within the region and across the European Union. The widespread availability of illegally possessed firearms has enabled organised crime groups and terrorist networks to exploit these weapons, fuelling violent crime, destabilising communities, and undermining public safety.

Recognising the severity of this issue, the Serbian Ministry of Interior has prioritised the fight against firearms trafficking. A significant need for specialised training was identified during the Operational Training Needs Assessment (OTNA) conducted by CEPOL. In response,  the Western Balkans Partnership against Crime and Terrorism (WB PaCT) project organised a five-day intensive training course from 16 to 20 December 2024 in Belgrade, Serbia, in close partnership with Europol and the Serbian Ministry of Interior.

The primary objective of the training was to enhance the capacity to investigate and dismantle poly-criminal organised crime groups. The course focused on improving intelligence analysis, strengthening law enforcement and judicial responses, fostering international cooperation, and promoting effective coordination between police and prosecutors.

Over the course of five days, 18 participants from the police, customs, and prosecutorial sectors benefited from the expertise of trainers from Austria, Bulgaria, Serbia, UNODC, Europol, CEPOL, and the private sector. Through a combination of presentations, group work, and discussions, trainers delivered up-to-date intelligence insights and shared best practices for combatting criminal networks and individuals involved in the illicit trafficking, distribution, and use of firearms.

By equipping law enforcement and judicial authorities with advanced tools and skills, the training strengthens regional and international efforts to disrupt the flow of illicit firearms, safeguard communities, and promote a safer, more secure environment.