OpenLegislation

Division Description

United Kingdom

Original text. Later amendments are not shown.

Considering the increase in illicit trafficking of firearms towards the Union, as well as the increase use of firearms in organised crime and terrorist incidents, the development of robust information-gathering and exchange systems and mechanisms is an essential element in efforts to combat this threat. Therefore, significant efforts were made in the past several years to increase cooperation, as well as to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the arms-trafficking phenomenon, while at the same time devising efficient mitigation measures. Through its longstanding work in the region, and especially through the successful implementation of Council Decision 2013/730/CFSP, including the establishment and facilitation of the SEE Firearms Experts Network (SEEFEN), SEESAC has been at the forefront of such efforts, acting as convener of cooperation processes while working to increase the capacity of law-enforcement agencies for marking, tracing and record-keeping, including through technical assistance and support for the establishment and enhancement of record-keeping systems. This activity will build upon the basis established in the previous period by:

  • further strengthening SEEFEN, while at the same time using it as a platform for increased cooperation among law-enforcement agencies in SEE to combat illicit trafficking of SALW and their ammunition. In particular, the SEEFEN will be supported through the continuous facilitation of expert meetings (twice yearly) and the enhancement of information-sharing. In addition, support will be provided to the firearms experts with targeted training and technical advisory support, in addition to cost-effective select provision of technical assistance through the provision of equipment (import marking machines) to law-enforcement agencies;

  • supporting the establishment, in all seven beneficiaries, of firearms focal points — central information-collection and analysis units supporting investigators and prosecutors, and enabling the building and updating of the intelligence picture on firearms trafficking from and through SEE;

  • building upon the work done on enhancing registration systems and ballistic intelligence capabilities as well as the recommendations of the Regional Feasibility Study;

  • working closely with Interpol's iArms in order to support the capacity of SEE police service to collect, process and share data on lost or stolen SALW.

All of the activities of SEEFEN will be closely coordinated with and contribute to the efforts of EUROPOL, European Firearms Experts, DG Migration and Home Affairs, Interpol, Eurojust and Frontex, as well as other relevant actors. This part of the project supports the strengthening of the effective rule of law, limiting, registering and measuring the quantities and demand of SALW. The project is designed in line with and will therefore enhance the implementation of the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW in All Its Aspects, the International Tracing Instrument, the UN Firearms Protocol, Council Directive 91/477/EEC and Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP by improving the capacity of SEE institutions with regard to marking, tracing and record-keeping of weapons, focusing in particular on the capabilities to build up the right intelligence picture in order to devise effective countermeasures to the trafficking threat.