Central Europe

602352 Opening of the new child-friendly and victim-centred interview room in Bitola

A newly refurbished and fully equipped child-friendly and victim-centered interview room was inaugurated today at the Sector for Internal Affairs in Bitola, providing a safe, private, and trauma-informed space for conducting sensitive interviews with victims and witnesses, including children. This intervention is part of the project Swedish Support to Police Reform in North Macedonia, which aims to enhance the institutional capacity of the Police of the country to adhere to international best practices and human rights standards in the areas of Juvenile Justice and Community Policing.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Kilian Wahl, the Ambassador of Sweden to North Macedonia, Ola Sohlström, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Astrit Iseni, and the Head of Sector of Internal Affairs Bitola, Sasho Mircheski.

The new facility is designed in accordance with international standards and best practices and will support police officers and criminal justice professionals in applying a victim-centered approach in cases of domestic violence, violence against women and girls, trafficking in human beings, and juvenile justice.

Speaking at the opening, Ambassador Kilian Wahl underlined that “victims need special protection and a safe space that will prevent re-victimization and not inflict new trauma.”

Ambassador Sohlström reiterated Sweden’s commitment to supporting accountable and people-centered policing practices, both with expertise and funding, and that Sweden, though the Embassy in North Macedonia, is proud to support this important work. The Swedish Ambassador noted that this important step is a demonstration of the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to promoting a justice system that prioritizes the dignity, safety, and best interests of every child.

Deputy Minister Iseni reaffirmed the Ministry’s ownership and commitment to sustainability and focus on making victim-centered approaches standard across all police sections.

The initiative reflects the constructive partnership between the Ministry and the Swedish Police Authority in building a modern, accountable, and community-oriented police service in North Macedonia which is responsive to the needs of all citizens. It also reflects the overarching objective of the Swedish reform support to North Macedonia to assist to the country in its EU integration process also in the areas of rule of law, human rights and gender equality, and it supports the Government’s national reform priorities and the OSCE Mission’s thematic focus on gender equality, police development, and efforts to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.

Held on the eve of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the event also underscores how partnership between institutions and international partners can deliver tangible improvements for victims and survivors throughout North Macedonia.

The initiative is realized under the Swedish Support to Police Reform in North Macedonia, implemented by the Swedish Police Authority, funded by Sweden, and within the framework of the extrabudgetary project “Building a Hybrid Education System in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia”, led by the OSCE Mission to Skopje. The Republic of Finland has also provided targeted support enabling the implementation of this initiative and demonstrating continued trust in our joint efforts.

BANJA LUKA, 21 November 2025 – International election observers will hold a press conference to present their findings following the early election of the president of Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What:

• A press conference of international observers to the early election of the president of Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Those unable to attend in person can follow the livestream here

Who:

• Mátyás Eörsi, Head of the ODIHR Special Election Assessment Mission
• Bernd Vohringer, Head of the Congress of the Council of Europe delegation
• Sérgio Humberto, Head of the EP delegation​

When:

• 15.00 local time (GMT +1) on 24 November 2025

Where:

• Ballroom 1st Floor, Courtyard by Marriott Banja Luka, Prvog krajiškog korpusa 33, Banja Luka

The international election observation is a joint effort of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (Congress), and the European Parliament (EP). The mission totals 37 observers, composed of 15 ODIHR experts, 16 members and staff from the Congress, and 6 from the EP.

For more information, please contact:

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: +48 609 522 266 or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl

Stéphanie Poirel, Congress: + 33 6 63 55 07 10  or  Stephanie.POIREL@coe.int

Raffaele Luise, EP: +32 470 952199  or raffaele.luise@europarl.europa.eu

602265 Participants of the OSCE training for young experts, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Alima Omorova

From 14 to 17 November, the OSCE Secretariat, in partnership with the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, gathered 26 young experts from Central Asia, South-East Europe and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation regions for a dynamic four-day seminar in Bishkek. The activity was also supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The group also included the OSCE Pool of Young Experts, WIN Project alumni, students of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, and OSCE Scholarship for Peace and Security alumni, along with the Representatives from the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.

The seminar focused on enhancing practical abilities in inclusive project activities and crucial digital research skills, empowering participants to design and implement responsive, evidence-based solutions.

In her opening remarks, Gorica Atanasova-Gjorevska, Senior External Co-operation Officer, underscored the importance of genuine collaboration with youth: “To fulfil young people’s potential now, we need more than symbolic inclusion - we need meaningful engagement and partnerships across the OSCE region and beyond. We must create spaces where young people are not just passive observers, but active contributors to the OSCE events as co-facilitators, co-moderators and co-trainers.’’

Experts engaged in co-facilitated sessions covering the OSCE’s Youth and Security Agenda, gender-sensitive communication, gender mainstreaming in the project cycle, and developing critical digital skills for effective online searches and image analysis. 

Participants emphasized the value of bringing youth voices into the planning process.

Saikal Sakmamatova, Kyrgyzstan,  highlighted that when young people’s perspectives are systematically included throughout the entire project cycle, “projects become more responsive to their needs and far more relevant.’’ 

Another participant, Farukh Azizov, Tajikistan, added: “The skills we develop when working with open data go beyond technical knowledge. They enable young experts to confidently design inclusive, evidence-based solutions for their communities and beyond.”

Participants from diverse backgrounds also exchanged views on the emerging concept of science diplomacy, exploring its role in both theoretical and practical contexts — particularly how science can act as a catalyst for peace, security, and conflict prevention.

This activity is a part of the OSCE’s extrabudgetary project, “Accelerating the implementation of the Youth and Security Agenda in the OSCE region”, which sets out to help empower young leaders in the OSCE region, fostering their potential to shape the future of security and co-operation. The project is funded by Andorra, Finland, Germany, Liechtenstein, Norway and Spain.

602190

The OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine (SPU) has provided the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) with protective equipment to enhance its ability to respond swiftly and safely to chemical emergencies. The handover, which took place on 20 November 2025 in Kyiv, included 550 sets of coveralls (including suits, gloves, and over-boots), gasmasks with filters, 400 respirators with 2 filters each, and five portable decontamination systems designed to ensure immediate chemical decontamination for civilians and personnel near affected areas. 

“The received gear will significantly raise the readiness of border personnel to react operatively to chemical emergencies and to have our staff well-protected. This is a real contribution to security of our borders and safety of Ukrainian citizens,” said Roman Yuriev, Chief of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Protection Sector of the State Border Guards Service Administration.  

Earlier this year, twenty-one representatives of the State Border Guard Service strengthened their practical skills in responding to chemical threats during a training session organized by the SPU. The training combined analytical insights and hands-on exercises tailored to real risks faced in the line of duty.

In today’s interconnected economy, the cross-border movement of chemicals — combined with the additional risks created by the ongoing war and damage to industrial infrastructure — heightens the likelihood of accidents involving toxic substances. In chemical emergencies affecting border regions, the SBGS is often the first to detect and initially contain such hazards, coordinate on-scene response, and support civilian protection agencies in minimizing harm to local populations. The newly provided equipment will further enable border personnel to carry out these critical functions quickly and effectively.

These efforts are part of the “Enhancing Ukraine’s Chemical Emergency Response Capacity” project implemented by the OSCE with financial contributions of participating States and partners for co-operation; full list of donors is available here: https://www.osce.org/osce-secretariat-exb-support-programme-for-ukraine/539480

Analysts of the Albanian State Police’s Financial Analysis Unit strengthened their skills in detecting and investigating suspicious financial transactions during a four-day training organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania from 17 to 20 November 2025.

The programme focused on advanced bank account analysis in Excel, methods for identifying irregular financial patterns and hands-on use of i2 Analyst’s Notebook to visualise criminal networks and improve financial intelligence products.

The activity supports the implementation of the intelligence-led policing model, increasing the effectiveness of investigations into financial crimes, money laundering and related illicit activities. It was supported by the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program of the U.S. Department of Justice (ICITAP).

This is the second training in this field conducted by the OSCE Presence in Albania, reaffirming its commitment to helping law enforcement institutions build professional expertise, strengthen analytical methodologies and enhance inter-institutional co-operation for a stronger and more modern financial analysis system in Albania.

602091 Understanding the role of women in organized crime in South-Eastern Europe — OSCE policy brief

A new OSCE policy brief published today reveals that women play a greater role in organized crime in South-Eastern Europe than many criminal justice institutions estimate. This and other key findings were discussed during the policy brief’s launch event held on the margins of the OSCE Security Committee meeting on 18 November in Vienna, Austria.

“The participation of women in criminal networks is still not fully understood and is too often overlooked. I strongly support efforts like this research, which seek to address this critical gap,” said Ambassador Neil Holland, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the OSCE and current Chair of the OSCE Security Committee, during the event.

The policy brief, “Understanding the role of women in organized crime in South-Eastern Europe”, builds on earlier OSCE research and explores regional dynamics around the roles of women in organized crime. It offers practical guidance to policymakers and criminal justice practitioners on how to design more inclusive and gender-sensitive strategies to prevent and combat organized crime.

The study also examines how women are recruited into criminal networks, the roles they assume within these groups and the challenges they face when attempting to exit criminal structures or access witness protection programmes.

A key finding of the study reveals that, while women play significant and sometimes senior roles in criminal groups, persistent gender stereotypes lead to a lack of recognition. This allows some women to operate with relative impunity, but also limits opportunities for their engagement in prevention, exit and protection initiatives.

“By deepening our knowledge of the roles women play in organized crime, we can better disrupt criminal groups, close off avenues for exploitation and appreciate the complex pathways that lead women into — and out of — these networks. Our policies and programmes must reflect the full spectrum of experiences and perspectives,” Ambassador Holland said.

The policy brief was developed by the Strategic Police Matters Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department who co-organized the launch event with the 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship of Finland and the current Chair of the OSCE Security Committee, the United Kingdom.

HELSINKI, 21 November 2025 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, will visit Tirana from 24 to 26 November to meet with high-level government officials, representatives of the international community and youth civil society organizations. The aim of the visit is to further strengthen the OSCE’s partnership with Albania and in South-East Europe.

During the visit Special Envoy Hakala will open the Regional Conference on Online Gender-Based Violence as well as the Conference on 50th Anniversary of Helsinki Final Act.

Throughout the visit, Special Envoy Hakala will also engage with the OSCE Presence in Albania.

The latest information from the OSCE CiO of Finland can be found at https://www.osce.org/chairpersonship and on X: @Finland_OSCE

More information:

Marja Rosvall, Team Leader, Task Force for the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship

marja.rosvall@gov.fi, +358 295 350 347

602043

A two-day OSCE workshop held on 13 and 14 November in Ulaanbaatar brought together 27 representatives of the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC), the Financial Regulatory Commission, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and other relevant agencies to enhance national capacities in addressing money-laundering risks associated with virtual assets and blockchain-based finance.

The event focused on practical aspects of compliance, supervision, and investigations involving virtual assets. Participants gained hands-on experience in using blockchain analytics tools and explored regulatory and institutional approaches to mitigating emerging risks. This included examining best practices for financial institutions in servicing virtual asset businesses, approaches to due diligence and on-chain transaction monitoring, and the importance of inter-agency co-operation and information exchange in combating illicit finance.

“We are supporting Mongolia in strengthening its regulatory and investigative capacities on virtual assets, helping to ensure a safer and more transparent financial environment for all,” noted Zurab Sanikidze, Senior Project Officer and Project Manager at the OSCE.

“Mongolia continues to take steps in the areas of anti-corruption and anti-money laundering. This support is timely as the virtual asset field continues to evolve and present new challenges,” highlighted Jargalbaatar Chimeddorj, Head of the Investigation Unit and Senior Commissioner at the IAAC, in his opening remarks.

Discussions also addressed Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism  (AML/CFT) supervision of crypto firms under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, collaboration between financial institutions and law enforcement, and effective communication mechanisms for reporting and freezing crypto assets.

The workshop was organized by the OSCE Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project “Innovative Policy Solutions to Mitigate Money-Laundering Risks of Virtual Assets”. The project receives financial support from the Governments of Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

602037

A two-day OSCE workshop held on 12 and 13 November in Ashgabat brought together 26 representatives from financial and supervisory authorities, law enforcement bodies, and commercial banks to strengthen national capacities in investigating and recovering assets linked to virtual assets and blockchain-based finance.

The event was the second phase of a training series designed to help national institutions enhance alignment with international standard, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations 15 and 16.

Participants discussed the application of these standards and explored how blockchain analytics tools can be used to detect and investigate illicit transactions involving cryptocurrencies. The training combined theoretical sessions with hands-on exercises focused on tracing transactions, identifying virtual asset service providers (VASPs), and using blockchain-based evidence in criminal proceedings.

Discussions also addressed the role of prosecutors in early case detection, the licensing and supervision of VASPs, and the importance of inter-agency and international co-operation in crypto-related investigations.

The workshop emphasized the need for close collaboration between financial institutions, supervisory authorities, and investigative agencies in responding to emerging money-laundering and asset recovery challenges linked to virtual assets.

The event was organized in co-operation with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project “Innovative Policy Solutions to Mitigate Money-Laundering Risks of Virtual Assets”, implemented by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA). The project receives financial support from the Governments of Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

601974

The OSCE concluded a two-day specialized workshop on 19 and 20 November in Bishkek aimed at strengthening Kyrgyzstan’s capacity to supervise, investigate, and effectively respond to money-laundering risks linked to virtual assets and blockchain-based finance. The training brought together around 35 representatives of the State Financial Intelligence Service, law-enforcement bodies, supervisory authorities, and financial-sector institutions.

In her opening remarks, Vera Strobachova-Budway, Senior Economic Officer and Head of the Economic Governance Unit at the OSCE Secretariat, underlined the importance of equipping national actors to operate in an evolving digital-finance environment. “Through this workshop, the OSCE is pleased to support Kyrgyzstan in enhancing its supervisory and investigative response to virtual-asset-related risks. The rapid growth of digital financial tools brings new opportunities but also new vulnerabilities, and strong institutional readiness is essential for protecting the integrity of the financial system,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the German Embassy, Luisa Fleischer, Attaché for Culture, Press and Public Affairs, emphasized Germany’s commitment to strengthening global anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) efforts: “Germany is proud to be one of the donors of this important project. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, supporting our partners in addressing emerging risks linked to virtual assets is essential for safeguarding financial stability and security.”

Representing local authorities, Ruslan Dzhumadilov, Deputy Chairman of the State Financial Intelligence Unit, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the practical value of OSCE support: “Virtual assets are increasingly becoming part of the financial landscape, and with that come new risks for our institutions and citizens. Strengthening our expertise in this area is crucial, and we highly appreciate the OSCE’s continued support in helping Kyrgyzstan develop effective supervisory and investigative responses.”

The workshop programme included  expert-led sessions on blockchain technology, typologies of virtual-asset-related crimes, international AML/CFT standards, and best practices in tracing, freezing, and recovering crypto-assets. Participants examined emerging criminal schemes – such as KYC-renting, anonymous online marketplaces, and the use of Telegram-based bots – and discussed proactive approaches to supervision, STR processing, and inter-agency co-operation.

The workshop was organized by the OSCE Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project “Innovative Policy Solutions to Mitigate Money-Laundering Risks of Virtual Assets”. The project receives financial support from Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

601971 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Integration policies are an effective way to prevent conflicts, says OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities at conference in Estonia

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp visited Estonia from 10 to 14 November 2025, where he delivered the opening speech at the International Conference on Integration “Unity and diversity – searching for balance”.

“Integration is a two-way process that requires openness, dialogue and participation from all sides. It means ensuring that every individual feels that they belong: that they have a stake in the common future, that their voice matters, and that they can preserve and express their own cultural, linguistic and ethnic identities,” said Kamp at the conference, which was organized by the Estonian Integration Foundation – a longstanding partner of the office of the HCNM – on 12 November in Tallinn.

“This shared sense of belonging – unity, in a way – is what transforms diversity from a potential source of tension into a source of strength,” he said.

Kamp took the opportunity of his visit to discuss Estonia’s evolving integration policies and recent legislative developments with representatives of the Government. He met with Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and Undersecretary for Global Affairs at the Foreign Ministry Minna-Liina Lind, Secretary General at the Education Ministry Triin Laasi-Õige, Deputy Secretary General for Internal Security

at the Interior Ministry Joosep Kaasik, Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise, and representatives of the Culture Ministry.

He also met with representatives of the Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) and public TV channel ETV+ to discuss the role of media in fostering social cohesion. At the Integration Foundation, he gained insight into Estonia’s integration strategies and tools, including evidence-based integration monitoring. At the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory, he had the opportunity to discuss the role of historical narratives in diverse societies.

The High Commissioner also travelled to Narva to learn more about the integration challenges and opportunities in a region with a significant Russian-speaking minority. He met with members of the Cultural Council of National Minorities, representing Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, Tatar, Jewish and other communities, at the Estonian Language House. He also discussed the ongoing education reform and its impact on minority communities in the region with local education practitioners.

601860 Željka Šulc

Sarajevo, 19 November 2025 — Leading into the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, observed annually around the world from 25 November to 10 December, the relevant parliamentary committees of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission), held a thematic session, on Systemic Responses to Domestic Violence and Violence against Women in the FBiH, including Issues of Systemic Responses to Cases of Violence against Children.

The Committee on Gender Equality and the Committee on Security of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of the FBiH, together with the Committee on the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Committee on Gender Equality of the House of Peoples of the Parliament of the FBiH, jointly organized the session.

This high-level gathering brought together lawmakers to strengthen institutional efforts to prevent and address domestic violence, violence against women, and violence against children, with an emphasis on the effective implementation of existing legislation.

The session focused on two main objectives:

1. Review of the progress in implementing the Law on the Protection from Domestic Violence and Violence against Women in the FBiH, including the adoption of secondary legislation, professional training, and other essential measures.
2. Examining key components of the systemic response to cases of violence against children, focusing on improving institutional efficiency, co-ordination, and accountability.

The participating committees agreed upon a set of recommendations outlining concrete next steps to strengthen the practical application of the law and institutional accountability. 

Improving institutional responses to gender-based violence, domestic violence, violence against women, and violence against children - including effective multi-sectoral co-ordination, enforcement of laws, and institutional accountability – protects victims, reinforces the rule of law, and builds public trust. These efforts contribute to overall stability and security by upholding BiH’s commitments to international standards regarding human rights and gender equality, including OSCE commitments.

This thematic session is part of the Mission’s long-standing efforts to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Complementing today’s event in Sarajevo, and in recognition of the wide-spread impact of gender-based violence, the Mission will also support a series of related thematic sessions involving the working bodies of the Assembly of Tuzla Canton, the Assembly of West Herzegovina Canton, and the Assembly of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Mission’s 2025 campaign will conclude with a strategic dialogue on 10 December in Banja Luka.

601842 Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 19 November 2025 – With digital transformation accelerating across all sectors, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a unique opportunity to strengthen its cybersecurity framework and ensure a safer digital future for its citizens.

The OSCE Annual Cybersecurity Forum 2025 brought together more than 100 policymakers, institutional leaders, regulators, academics, private sector representatives, and young professionals. They explored how the country can build greater cyber resilience and close existing gaps, including the absence of a state-level cybersecurity strategy, dedicated legislation, and a national Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), while emphasizing the importance of co-ordination and knowledge-sharing across sectors.

Zahid Movlazada, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, noted: “As public services, financial systems, and critical infrastructure become increasingly digital, if Bosnia and Herzegovina puts robust protections in place, this will help safeguard citizens’ data, secure institutions, uphold national security, and strengthen public trust and economic growth. These steps will support the country’s digital transformation and long-term resilience.”

Cybersecurity is a core part of the OSCE’s comprehensive security agenda, supporting stability and co-operation in the digital sphere. The Mission continues to strengthen capacities, enhance cross-sector co-ordination, and advance OSCE cyber confidence-building measures, including Bosnia and Herzegovina’s engagement with Measure No. 14 on public-private partnerships and the exchange of good practices.

Held in partnership with the e-Transformation Cybersecurity Summit, the Forum underscored the Mission’s commitment to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s digital growth grounded in robust cybersecurity principles.

An Exhibition Area complemented the event, featuring innovative projects and solutions created by youth and women from the Cybersecurity and ICT sectors. It offered participants hands-on insights, inspired collaboration, and encouraged new approaches to policy development and implementation, all with the shared goal of building a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

VIENNA, 19 November 2025 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Ambassador Jan Braathu, concluded his official visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan on 16 November. During the visit, he held a series of high-level meetings focused on the ongoing reform of the media regulatory framework, the impact of digital transformation on journalism, and the implementation of OSCE commitments. The RFoM also met with representatives of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan to discuss areas of co-operation and mutual support.

Representative Braathu welcomed the co-operation between the Uzbek government and his Office on legal matters, including the joint RFoM and ODIHR legal review of the draft Information Code (2024) and the ongoing work on the draft Law on the Protection of Users of Online Platforms and Websites. He welcomed the authorities’ practice of conducting stakeholders’ consultations on legal matters and reiterated his readiness to provide additional expertise.

The safety of journalists was a central theme in all discussions, along with the challenges and opportunities that artificial intelligence poses to the media sector. Braathu recalled that the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on the Safety of Journalists calls on all participating States to ensure that journalists can work freely and without fear of retaliation.

Furthermore, the Representative outlined areas for practical co-operation, including media literacy, trainings on journalists’ ethics, and workshops on police–media relations. He highlighted new resources available to participating States, such as the forthcoming UNESCO–RFoM Practical Manual for Journalists on Reporting the Environment and the RFoM’s Policy Manual on Safeguarding Media Freedom in the AI of Big Tech Platforms and AI.

While in Tashkent, Representative Braathu met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Muzaffarbek Madrakhimov and the Head of Communications and Press Secretary to the President, Sherzod Asadov. He also met with senior officials from the Legislative Chamber Committee on Innovative Development and Information Technologies, the Communications Department of the Presidential Administration, the Centre for Content Preparation for Mass Media under the Presidential Administration, the Inspection for Control in the Sphere of Informatization and Telecommunications ('Uzkomnazorat'), and the Public Foundation for the Support and Development of National Mass Media.

The Representative visited Bukhara and Samarkand, where he met with high-level representatives of the local governments and the heads of major local media outlets to discuss regional media developments.

“I appreciate the open and constructive engagement of my counterparts throughout the visit,” Representative Braathu said. “Continued dialogue, and inclusive processes in the development of laws affecting journalism are key to supporting a resilient, pluralistic media environment that serves the public interest. I look forward to continued co-operation with Uzbek authorities on the further implementation of OSCE media freedom commitments.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom

601824 Communication and Media Relations Section

From 14 to 17 November, the OSCE Secretariat, in partnership with the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, gathered 26 young experts from Central Asia, South-East Europe and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation regions for a dynamic four-day seminar in Bishkek. The activity was also supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in the Kyrgyz Republic.

The group also included the OSCE Pool of Young Experts, WIN Project alumni, students of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, and OSCE Scholarship for Peace and Security alumni, along with the Representatives from the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.

The seminar focused on enhancing practical abilities in inclusive project activities and crucial digital research skills, empowering participants to design and implement responsive, evidence-based solutions.

In her opening remarks, Gorica Atanasova-Gjorevska, Senior External Co-operation Officer, underscored the importance of genuine collaboration with youth: “To fulfil young people’s potential now, we need more than symbolic inclusion - we need meaningful engagement and partnerships across the OSCE region and beyond. We must create spaces where young people are not just passive observers, but active contributors to the OSCE events as co-facilitators, co-moderators and co-trainers.’’

Experts engaged in co-facilitated sessions covering the OSCE’s Youth and Security Agenda, gender-sensitive communication, gender mainstreaming in the project cycle, and developing critical digital skills for effective online searches and image analysis. 

Participants emphasized the value of bringing youth voices into the planning process.

Saikal Sakmamatova, Kyrgyzstan,  highlighted that when young people’s perspectives are systematically included throughout the entire project cycle, “projects become more responsive to their needs and far more relevant.’’ 

Another participant, Farukh Azizov, Tajikistan, added: “The skills we develop when working with open data go beyond technical knowledge. They enable young experts to confidently design inclusive, evidence-based solutions for their communities and beyond.”

Participants from diverse backgrounds also exchanged views on the emerging concept of science diplomacy, exploring its role in both theoretical and practical contexts — particularly how science can act as a catalyst for peace, security, and conflict prevention.

This activity is a part of the OSCE’s extrabudgetary project, “Accelerating the implementation of the Youth and Security Agenda in the OSCE region”, which sets out to help empower young leaders in the OSCE region, fostering their potential to shape the future of security and co-operation. The project is funded by Andorra, Finland, Germany, Liechtenstein, Norway and Spain.

ERGNETI, 18 November 2025 – The 128th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) took place today in Ergneti. The meeting was co-facilitated by Bettina Patricia Boughani, Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), and Christoph Späti, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus.

The co-facilitators welcomed the continued commitment of all participants to the IPRM format. They underlined its crucial role in addressing security-related developments and finding practical solutions for women, men and children on both sides of the administrative boundary line (ABL).

Participants exchanged views on the recent security developments and challenges faced by conflict-affected population, including limitations on freedom of movement. The EUMM and OSCE reiterated their concern over the practice of detentions. They advocated for prompt information exchange through the hotline, encouraged applying a humanitarian approach to current cases and called for swift releases. The co-facilitators also underlined that taking further steps to facilitate freedom of movement across the ABL would help strengthen trust and security among local communities and support a return to a more normal life. One such opportunity would be to extend the December opening period of the controlled crossing points into early January, allowing for greater movement during the holiday season. This is particularly important as it enables families divided by the ABL to visit each other, attend religious services, and maintain vital social ties during a time traditionally dedicated to family reunions.

Finally, the participants praised the EUMM-managed Hotline as an effective practical tool for sharing reliable, timely information on security and humanitarian issues.

The IPRM was preceded by a Technical Meeting focused on irrigation-related issues. Participants reflected on the concluded irrigation season and the constructive cooperation achieved in this area. They appreciated discussions with three OSCE experts and acknowledged the essential role of the EUMM in providing measurements of water levels, as well as the Mission-managed Hotline in ensuring timely and accurate exchange of this information, helping to resolve challenges such as necessary maintenance and cleaning of the Tiriponi canal.

The last IPRM meeting of the year is scheduled to take place on 22 December 2025.

601752 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 10–11 November 2025, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a two-day training in the city of Guliston, Sughd Region, Republic of Tajikistan, aimed at strengthening environmental education for schoolteachers engaged in the “Green Patrols” initiative.

The training was conducted within the framework of the EU-funded OSCE extra-budgetary project “Stakeholder Engagement for Uranium Legacy Remediation in Central Asia” (Phase III), implemented jointly by the OSCE and UNDP. The event was organized in close collaboration with the Public Organization “Youth Group on Protection of Environment” / Aarhus Centre of Khujand and local authorities.

Around 40 participants, including Green Patrol teachers, representatives of local authorities, public organizations, and experts, took part in the event. The OSCE plays a key role in advancing the Green Patrols initiative, which unites young people committed to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability across the region.

The training aimed to strengthen the professional and methodological skills of teachers of environmental education by introducing them to the updated “Supplementary Environmental Education Guidebook,” interactive teaching methods, and tools for independent class delivery within the Green Patrols programme.

Participants explored national environmental priorities, learned about innovative educational approaches, and engaged in hands-on exercises to design lesson plans and annual activity calendars for their schools’ Green Patrols.

The event provided a platform for teachers to exchange experiences, discuss key challenges in environmental education, and develop practical solutions to enhance student engagement. Participants highlighted that the introduced interactive and practice-based learning methods would help increase young people’s environmental knowledge and foster a stronger sense of responsibility for ecological protection.

Through this training, the OSCE reaffirmed its commitment to supporting environmental awareness, public participation, and sustainable development in Tajikistan and across Central Asia.

601743 Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 18 November 2025 – The Parliamentary Military Commissioner of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Boško Šiljegović, concluded a series of official visits to commands and units of Armed Forces of BiH units across the country, organized with the support of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

These visits contribute to stronger parliamentary oversight and enhanced accountability in the defence sector—key components of a transparent, professional, and trusted Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Discussions during the visits addressed the challenges and priorities of the Armed Forces, including infrastructure development, personnel allocation, and resource management. The participants also emphasized the importance of professionalism, responsible use of social media, and gender equality within the military—areas in which the OSCE Mission continues to provide targeted support through capacity-building and field activities.

“The Parliamentary Military Commissioner plays a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights within the defence sector. The OSCE Mission remains committed to supporting the Commissioner’s efforts to strengthen parliamentary oversight as crucial element of democratic governance of defence, thus fostering greater public trust in the Armed Forces,” said Samir Bašić, Programme Officer at the OSCE Mission to BiH.

“Through visits to commands and units of the Armed Forces of BiH, we aim to influence the Ministry of Defense and the relevant authorities to address observed human rights violations. This practice has proven both useful and efficient, demonstrating that parliamentary oversight is most effective when complemented by field visits, which provide direct insight into the real situation on the ground,” said Boško Šiljegović, Parliamentary Military Commissioner of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The findings from all visits will form part of the Commissioner’s 2025 Annual Work Report, which will include conclusions and recommendations to the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The OSCE Mission to BiH remains a steadfast partner in advancing democratic governance, institutional integrity, and respect for human rights across the security sector.

601734

Participants explored the challenges and opportunities of virtual assets and cryptocurrencies at the ‘Crypto and Corruption: Addressing Emerging Threats in the Digital Era’ panel discussion organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) at the 7th Political Integrity Bootcamp.

The Bootcamp is an annual event jointly organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and Transparency International (TI). This year’s edition focused on addressing strategic corruption and advancing political integrity.

The panel discussion brought together experts and practitioners from the OSCE, the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism, and the National Anticorruption Center of Moldova.

They explored how virtual assets and cryptocurrencies can be abused for corruption, money laundering, and illicit finance, while also offering opportunities to enhance transparency and accountability through technological innovation. They also shared insights on how effective regulation, capacity-building, and international co-operation can support participating States in responding to these evolving threats.

The panel discussion was also an opportunity for the OSCE and TI to further strengthen their co-operation, expertise sharing, and outreach efforts around virtual assets and corruption.

This event was part of activities around the OSCE’s extrabudgetary project, “Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets.” The project is implemented by OCEEA with financial support from Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States.

601686 Communication and Media Relations Section

How gender shape people’s experiences of climate change and security risks was in focus at the “Resilient Futures: Linking Climate, Gender and Security” event organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) on 3 November 2025 in Vienna. The event featured findings of a research study on the gendered dimensions of climate-related security risks in the OSCE area conducted by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and commissioned by the OSCE.

“The intersection of gender and climate action lies in the OSCE’s mandate,” said Bakyt Dzhusupov, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, during his opening remarks. “In the landmark Ministerial Council Decision from 2021, the OSCE’s 57 participating States joined consensus to intensify co-operation to strengthen climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation, emphasizing the effective involvement of women in decision-making, and the meaningful participation of women and also of girls, where appropriate.” Speaking about Finland’s priorities as OSCE Chair in 2025, Kimmo Laukkanen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Permanent Mission of Finland to the OSCE, stressed the country’s long-standing commitment to promoting gender equality and climate security.

Turning to the findings of the recent study, Bárbara Magalhães Teixeira, researcher at SIPRI, underlined the need for systematic research and policy integration. She explained how gender roles and inequalities shape people’s experiences of and responses to climate-related security risks. Recognizing these dynamics can make climate and security policies more effective and equitable, she said.

The event also featured a panel discussion with Teixeira, Ambassador Brian Flynn, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the OSCE; Silvia Sartori, independent International Gender, Energy, and Climate Expert, Sofiia Shevchuk, independent Researcher; and Tanja Jakobi, Director of the Public Policy Research Center in Serbia. The discussion was moderated by Thomas Ritzer, Senior Climate Change and Security Adviser at the OCEEA.

Participants discussed how women’s leadership, inclusive decision-making, and targeted support can enhance resilience and stability in the face of climate change. They also exchanged experiences and good practices from across the OSCE region, including on integrating gender perspectives in environmental governance, energy security, and disaster risk reduction.

” Understanding the relationship between peace and security, gender, and climate change is crucial — not only to gain deeper insights into their impacts but also to ensure our responses are targeted where they are needed most,” said Ambassador Flynn “We look forward to seeing how the OSCE and participating States use the conclusions of this research to advance gender-sensitive approaches to climate, peace, and security.”

Highlighting OSCE’s activities in Central Asia, Sartori emphasized how  “the Organization enables people — and women in particular — to act as change makers and multipliers, driving the energy transition, generating new livelihoods, improving the wellbeing of families, while also strengthening self-confidence and creating new role models.”

The event was the culmination of a series of regional dialogues, workshops, and international forums on gender, climate change and security, held throughout 2025. Their outcomes will feed into the development of a toolkit for policymakers expected to be published in 2026.

These activities are part of the OSCE’s extrabudgetary project, “Strengthening responses to security risks from climate change in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia”, which is implemented by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities implemented in partnership with adelphi and in close collaboration with the OSCE field operations. It is funded by Andorra, Austria, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.