November 2024 to January 2025.
Building on the momentum of the launch of Phase II (2024-2027) of the European Union-UNODC Joint Action promoting rule of law and good governance through targeted border control measures at ports and airports in South-Eastern Europe, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in partnership with the World Customs Organization WCO) and with the support of the European Union (EU), has conducted a series of joint assessment and monitoring missions across the region between November 2024 and January 2025.
The EU-UNODC Joint Action is a regional initiative designed to enhance the capacities of national authorities in South-Eastern Europe to combat organized crime by supporting more effective and coordinated border control measures. Now in its second phase, this initiative stands as a prime example of the strong and sustained cooperation between the EU and UNODC, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing border security and law enforcement capacities, taking advantage of the regional collaborative mechanisms already established under Phase I.
After the significant achievements of Phase I (2020-2024), which saw over 520 significant seizures and the training of more than 2,300 officers, Phase II focuses on further enhancing regional cooperation, integrating new technologies and addressing emerging threats such as synthetic drugs and cyber-enabled crimes. Phase II of the Action, like Phase I, is implemented by the UNODC Global Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP) and focuses on strengthening the existing PCCP-supported interagency units at key airports, land border crossings, and seaports, ensuring their sustainability within the national security architectures in the region. Additionally, Phase II aims to broaden the Phase I coverage to new locations, establishing new PCCP-supported interagency units at priority airports in South-Eastern Europe. This allows to achieve a solid coverage of the region from both cargo and passenger control points of view.
In this context, PCCP conducted six joint technical needs assessment missions and monitoring visits to evaluate operational challenges, identify capacity-building needs across various jurisdictions, and assess the feasibility of establishing new interagency units in key locations while also monitoring the effectiveness of existing ones. Implemented close cooperation with the UNODC Regional Office for South-Eastern Europe (ROSEE) and conducted in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, these activities aimed to enhance coordination between national authorities and inform the development of tailored capacity-building actions based on the specific needs identified.
The activities included high-level consultations with representatives from customs, police, passenger information units, civil aviation authorities, as well as the European Union Delegations and international organizations operating in South-Eastern Europe. These engagements provided a platform to discuss current border management challenges, institutional capacities and cooperation mechanisms under the EU-UNODC Joint Action. During the meetings, Mr. Batyr Geldiyev, PCCP Regional Coordinator for South-Eastern Europe, emphasized that these missions represent a critical step in enhancing border management capabilities in the region. He highlighted that the insights gained from these assessments will contribute to the development of technical needs reports containing strategic recommendations for the efficient implementation of Phase II and practical steps for establishing new inter-agency units where needed.
The strong commitment of national authorities to Phase II was evident throughout the missions. Strengthening cooperation, enhancing institutional capacities, and reinforcing the rule of law remain key priorities. Moving forward, UNODC and its partners will continue to work closely with national and regional stakeholders to bolster border security, improve inter-agency coordination and combat illicit trafficking, contributing to a safer and more resilient South-Eastern Europe.
*All references to Kosovo should be understood in the context of the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).
The Passenger and Cargo Control Programme is the result of a recent merger of two flagship UNODC Programmes, the Container Control Programme (CCP) and the Airport Communication Programme (AIRCOP). The Programme has established, trained and equipped over 170 units and task forces in 86 countries.
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