19-23 January 2026, Bregana, Croatia – The South-Eastern European (SEE) region continues to face security and law-enforcement challenges from criminal networks involved in the trafficking of controlled substances, firearms, persons, the smuggling of migrants, illicit financial flows, and others. Part of the reason for this persistent challenge is the region’s geographical location, which serves as a major route between source and destination countries for drug trafficking and other criminal activities. These interconnected threats place significant pressure on border management and other law enforcement agencies in the region.
To address these challenges, UNODC, with the support of the European Union, is implementing the EU-UNODC Joint Action “Promoting rule of law and good governance through targeted border control measures at ports and airports in South-Eastern Europe (2024-2027)- Phase II”. The Action focuses on deepening and enhancing inter-agency cooperation across borders and strengthening regional and international partnerships.
The training was hosted at the Center for Advanced Training established by the Customs Administration of the Republic of Croatia in Bregana, bringing together frontline officers engaged in cargo controls along key regional transit routes.
During the event, a productive meeting took place between UNODC and Mr. Željko Franić, Deputy Director General, and officials of the Customs Administration of Croatia. UNODC’s Regional Programme Coordinator, Mr. Batyr Geldiyev, thanked the Customs Administration for its active support in the implementation of the EU-UNODC Joint Action. Discussions highlighted continued collaboration to strengthen border management and improve the detection of illicit trade through joint capacity-building efforts in the region.
