A joint workshop on drafting a National SALW Strategy
September 03, 2025
Last week, EUAM Ukraine, OSCE, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine organised an expert workshop on developing a National Strategy on small arms and light weapons (SALW). The aim of the workshop was to develop key provisions of the National SALW Strategy and an action plan for effective control, regulation, and management of SALW and ammunition in accordance with international standards and national security priorities in the context of the ongoing aggressive war against Ukraine.
Representatives of key national law enforcement agencies and institutions, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Police, Security Service, Office of the Prosecutor General, State Customs Service, State Border Guard Service, as well as international stakeholders, including the OSCE, EMPACT Firearms, UNDP SEESAC, UNODC, AMAT, and EUAM Ukraine, had the opportunity to share their views on current challenges and emerging threats and jointly define the strategic, operational, and implementation frameworks that will form part of the National SALW Strategy and its action plan.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Oleksii Serhieiev noted that combating illicit firearms trafficking is one of the top priorities in ensuring public order and safety. He expressed gratitude to EUAM Ukraine and the OSCE for taking the leadership in drafting the national SALW strategy.
“Every illegal firearm removed is a life potentially saved. With common procedures and clear accountability, the SALW strategy equips agencies to find, trace and destroy illicit weapons, and thus to prevent new diversion,” said Gerardo Moreno, Senior Adviser on Organised Crime at EUAM Ukraine.
The draft strategy and action plan are expected to be finalised by the Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Firearms and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and submitted for further approval by the end of the year. The development and implementation of the National SALW Strategy is one of Ukraine’s commitments that will contribute to the process of accession to the EU.
