Central Europe

597348

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) actively contributed to the 2025 Annual Summit of the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime (GCFFC), held on 10-11 September in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The event brought together over 200 participants from international organizations, FIUs, regulatory authorities, financial institutions, and the private sector. The senior officials, regulators, financial institutions, and international experts to discuss innovative strategies to counter money laundering, corruption, and emerging financial crime risks.

On Day One, Ralf Ernst, Deputy Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, joined the high-level panel “Navigating Uncertain Waters: Reshaping the Capacity Building in International Organizations.” He highlighted the OSCE’s unique role as a platform for knowledge exchange, peer learning, and sustained capacity building across its 57 participating States, stressing the importance of tailored technical assistance and long-term institutional partnerships.

On Day Two, Zurab Sanikidze, Senior Project Officer at the OSCE Secretariat, delivered a keynote presentation during the session on “Implementation of Novel AML and CFT Risks into National Systems.” Drawing from the OSCE’s extra-budgetary project “Innovative Policy Solutions to Mitigate Money-Laundering Risks of Virtual Assets”, his intervention underlined how OSCE support helps participating States integrate FATF standards, risk-based supervision, and blockchain investigation techniques into their national AML/CFT frameworks.

The OSCE is a member of the GCFFC. The OSCE’s engagement at the Summit reinforced its commitment to strengthening financial integrity, combating corruption, and supporting innovative policy solutions that safeguard economies and societies against evolving financial crime threats.

597318 Participants taking part in the training activity./Sezim Kachkynova

From 25 to 29 August 2025, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, with support from the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, organized a specialized training for 10 (ten) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts of the Border Service of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic based on the Border Service Training Centre in Osh. The training aimed to enhance the operational capacity of EOD teams to respond to explosive threats safely, effectively, and in line with international best practices.

Conducted within the framework of the extrabudgetary project “Reducing risk of illicit trafficking of SALW, CA and explosives across border of Kyrgyz Republic”, the course introduced participants to the technical use of newly donated equipment. Over five days, officers received theoretical and practical instruction on the operation of a recoilless disruptor/de-armer for neutralizing explosive devices, EOD toolkits for manual disposal procedures, and hook-and-line sets for remotely moving hazardous objects. Additional practical modules covered the use of binoculars for observation, advanced GPS systems for precise location tracking, and metal detectors and marking kits for identifying and marking mines and unexploded ordnance.

Through practical simulation exercises, participants applied the procedures to real-life scenarios, reinforcing their ability to manage explosive threats under field conditions.

This training significantly enhanced the Border Service’s preparedness to conduct EOD operations in compliance with international standards. A follow-up training, in cooperation with Fondation Suisse de Déminage, is scheduled for the second half of 2025.

The initiative forms part of the OSCE’s long-term commitment to strengthening national capacities in the field of security and stability, in line with international norms and best practices. The Training on the operation of EOD equipment is implemented within the framework of the extrabudgetary project “Reducing risk of illicit trafficking of SALW, CA and explosives across border of Kyrgyz Republic,” funded by the US, Germany, Norway, UK as well as Austria and Poland who offer their in-kind (expert) support.

584592 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 11 September 2025 — The Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Envoy, Terhi Hakala, will visit Tajikistan to reaffirm the OSCE’s commitment to supporting Tajikistan in border security, disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness, as well as human rights and gender equality.

During her three-day trip, taking place from 11 to 13 September, Ambassador Hakala will meet with high-level government officials, civil society, and partners to discuss progress across shared priorities between the OSCE and Tajikistan. She will visit the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe’s flagship project - the Border Management Staff College, and the OSCE-supported Women’s Resource Centre in the Khatlon region.

Follow Ambassador Hakala’s visit to Tajikistan on OSCE Facebook, Instagram, and X pages: https://www.facebook.com/OSCETajikistan

https://www.instagram.com/oscedushanbe/

https://x.com/OSCEDushanbe

597297

The OSCE Presence in Albania, with support from the OSCE Transnational Threats Department/Strategic Police Matters Unit and the United States Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), organized a two-day regional workshop on the nexus between drug trafficking and violent crime.

Held on 10 and 11 September in Durrës, the workshop brought together senior officials from the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), the National Bureau of Investigation and the Albanian State Police, as well as representatives from the police forces of Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, and from EU national police services. Participants discussed the latest national and regional trends in illicit drug trafficking and the related threats of money laundering, contract killings, extortion and other severe forms of violence.

The event provided a platform for exchanging information and good practices, with the aim of strengthening regional co-operation and improving joint criminal investigations. By enhancing cross-border collaboration, the initiative seeks to more effectively disrupt the operations of local and international drug organizations active in the Western Balkans.

597273 Željka Šulc

Bihać, 10 September 2025 - The Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission), Zahid Movlazada, concluded a two-day (Sept. 9-10) visit to Livno, Drvar, and Bihać, engaging with key Mission stakeholders and counterparts across Canton 10 and Una-Sana Canton to advance dialogue on pressing local issues and reinforce co-operation with the Mission.

The visit began with a discussion between Darko Čondrić, Mayor of Livno, and Deputy Head Movlazada on the city’s current priorities and recent developments.

Deputy Head Movlazada then met with Ante Tadić, Canton 10 Minister of Science, Education, Culture, and Sports. He welcomed the resolution of a long-standing Serb language issue and the adoption of an anti-discrimination bylaw. The Mission also expressed strong support for co-operation aimed at improving the quality of education through curriculum reform.

Deputy Head Movlazada next met with Sead Hadžijahić, Minister of Construction, Reconstruction, Spatial Planning, and Environmental Protection, to gain insight into pressing environmental challenges and to learn about the status of Bosniak communities in Canton 10.

A meeting with Dragana Damjanović, Deputy Assembly Speaker of Canton 10 and delegate in the House of Peoples of the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, focused on the ways to enhance access to social rights in general and the position of the Serb population in the canton.

In Una-Sana Canton (USC), in a meeting with Zikrija Duraković, Speaker of the Cantonal Assembly, Deputy Head Movlazada reaffirmed the Mission’s support for drafting and adopting good governance and anti-corruption legislation and discussed political dynamics in the canton.

Discussions with Adnan Habibija, Minister of Interior of Una-Sana Canton, reinforced strong co-operation between the Mission, local police, and the Ministry of Interior, with a focus on pending legislative initiatives.

Throughout the visits, the Mission underscored its commitment to promoting constructive dialogue, advancing good governance, and addressing the concerns of communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

WARSAW, 9 September 2025 – The invitation by the Georgian authorities to observe the local elections taking place on 4 October, less than a month before election day, leaves insufficient time for credible and meaningful observation, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.

“Transparent and credible election observation requires thorough preparation and an ability to access key stages of the election process, in line with our comprehensive methodology,” said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. “Regrettably, the Georgian authorities’ decision to invite us at such a late stage prevents meaningful observation, and ODIHR will not be in a position to deploy an election observation mission. We nonetheless hope to continue our longstanding co-operation with Georgia’s institutions and civil society to strengthen democracy and human rights.”

In its contacts with the Georgian authorities, ODIHR has consistently underlined the importance of a timely invitation to ensure credible and comprehensive election observation. In the past, ODIHR has received timely invitations from Georgia to observe the local elections in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2017, and 2021, allowing for effective preparations in line with ODIHR’s methodology.

As an OSCE participating State, Georgia has committed to holding democratic elections in line with international standards. While ODIHR does not comment on elections that it is not observing, the Office will continue to monitor events in Georgia in all areas covered by its mandate, including democratic governance, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.

597201

This evening, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan held an event to mark both the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act – the founding document of the Organization – as well as 30 years of OSCE presence in Uzbekistan.

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan brought together representatives of the government, diplomatic missions, international organizations, civil society, and long-standing partners to reflect on past achievements and reaffirm shared commitments.

Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Terhi Hakala, was in attendance and underlined the importance of continued respect for the Helsinki Final Act that was signed 50 years ago:“As we mark this anniversary, let us renew our dedication to the spirit of Helsinki. The challenges we face – whether geopolitical, environmental, or societal – require unity and regional cooperation. Uzbekistan, with its strong role in regional diplomacy and reform, is a key partner in this journey.”

In his remarks, Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, highlighted the crucial role the Organization has played in the country for the past three decades:  

“Over the past 30 years, the OSCE has worked hand in hand with Uzbekistan to support reforms, strengthen institutions, and promote human rights and security. Today, we mark an important anniversary- but our focus must be on the future. I cannot overstate the importance of empowering and including youth in building a resilient society.”

The event highlighted the strong commitment to advancing OSCE principles in Uzbekistan and the wider region.

597174 Opening of an OSCE organized seminar on the implementation of OSCE Vienna Document 2011 on confidence- and security-building measures, Ashgabat, 2 September 2025.

From 2 to 5 September 2025, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat hosted a national seminar on the implementation of OSCE Vienna Document 2011 on confidence- and security-building measures.

The four-day seminar brought together twenty mid- and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence of Turkmenistan and aimed to increase their understanding of confidence-and-security building measures under the OSCE Vienna Document 2011.  The Centre organized the event as part of its support to the Ministry of Defence in enhancing the capacity of its personnel to conduct verification operations and apply best practices for military information exchange.

Experts from the Centre for Arms Control and Inspection Support of the Ministry of Defence of Kazakhstan presented key chapters of the Vienna Document, including defence planning, risk reduction, contacts, notification and observation of military activities among others. Officials from the OSCE Secretariat’s Conflict Prevention Centre and Forum for Security Co-operation focused on the OSCE Communications Network, exchange of military information and iMARS, while the OSCE Programme Office in Astana highlighted their project activities in the area of confidence-and-security building and longstanding co-operation with the Ministry of Defence of Kazakhstan.

“In accordance with the Vienna Document, participating States, including Turkmenistan, are committed to annually exchanging information on military forces and major weapons and equipment systems, on defence planning and military budgets,” said William Leaf, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“For many years, the Centre in Ashgabat has been assisting the host country and its Defence Ministry in implementing this important document through a number of project events aimed at building capacity and exchanging of best practices,” added Leaf.

The seminar provided a platform for sharing national experiences and enhancing interregional relations and military co-operation between the Defence Offices of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in the area of reciprocal inspection visits.

A simulation exercise offered an excellent opportunity for the participants to enhance their practical skills in carrying out necessary procedures for receiving an evaluation visit as part of a verification process.

“I am confident that this event will further contribute to the fulfilment of confidence- and security-building measures and mutually agreed procedures for the transparency of military activities and enhancing security in the region,” emphasized Leaf. 

An OSCE-organized training course on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) for students from Turkmenistan’s institutions of higher education took place in a hybrid format from 1 to 5 September 2025.

Organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat and hosted by the State Institute of Finance, the five-day course introduced students to AML/CFT international standards and shared best practices of the OSCE participating States in preventing and countering this financial crime.

The students learnt about the AML/CFT policy and co-ordination and discussed preventive measures in the AML/CFT area. An international expert highlighted the key role of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and its 40 Recommendations, and focused on predicate offences and suspicious transactions as the basis for investigation.

The training course also provided an overview of key legislation related to money laundering and specifics of asset recovery. Discussions focused on the role of government agencies and non-profit organizations (NPOs) in the AML/CFT system and mechanisms of interagency and international co-operation.

The event brought together 33 students from the Turkmen State Institute of Finance, State University named after Magtymguly, State Institute of Economics and Management, Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and other higher educational institutions.

The course was organized within the Centre’s project “Strengthening Adherence to Good Governance Principles”.

SKOPJE, 5 September 2025 – The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today opened an observation mission for the 19 October local elections in North Macedonia, following an invitation from the national authorities.

The mission is led by Matteo Mecacci and is composed of 13 experts based in Skopje. 24 long-term observers will be deployed throughout the country from 11 September, and ODIHR has also requested 250 short-term observers to arrive shortly before election day.

The observation mission will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. 

Observers will closely monitor all key aspects of the election, including voter and candidate registration, campaign activities both in-person and online, the work of the election administration and other state bodies, the use of new technologies in the election process, the legislative framework, political and campaign finance, and the resolution of election disputes. They will also assess the implementation of prior ODIHR recommendations. Comprehensive media monitoring forms an integral part of the observation mission.

Throughout the observation, the mission will hold meetings with representatives of the national authorities and political parties, as well as with the judiciary, civil society, and the media.

On election day, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament plan to join the ODIHR mission to observe the opening of polling stations, voting, the counting of votes and the tabulation of results.

An interim report will be published some two weeks before election day to update the public and media during the course of the observation. A final report assessing the entire election process and containing recommendations will be published two months after the end of the election process. 

For further information on ODIHR’s election observation activities in North Macedonia, please visit: https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/north-macedonia

The ODIHR election observation mission and the OSCE Mission to Skopje operate separately and independently under their respective mandates.

Media contacts: 

Kira Gutnikova, Media Analyst for the Election Observation Mission

Kira.Gutnikova@odihr.mk or +389 71 393 062

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson

Katya.Andrusz@odihr.pl or +48 609 522 266

VIENNA/HELSINKI, 5 September 2025 — The Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Envoy, Terhi Hakala, will visit Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan from 8 to 16 September to meet with high-level government officials and civil society. The aim of the visit is to further strengthen the OSCE’s partnerships in the region.

Throughout the visit, Special Envoy Hakala will also engage with OSCE field operations staff, civil society representatives, and OSCE beneficiaries, as well as the OSCE’s two flagship projects in the region, the OSCE Academy in Bishkek and the Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe.

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:

Annika PelkonenSenior Specialist, Task Force for the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonshipannika.pelkonen@gov.fi, +358 295 350 263

SKOPJE, 4 September 2025 – Observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a press conference on the opening of the observation mission to the forthcoming local elections in North Macedonia on Friday, 5 September.

What: 

• An introduction to the role of the ODIHR election observation mission and its planned activities.

Who:

• Matteo Mecacci, Head of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission

When:

• 14:00 CET (GMT +2) on 5 September 2025

Where:

• Double Tree by Hilton Skopje, Platinum 1, Bulevar ASNOM 17, 1000 Skopje

Registration:

• The press conference is open to all, and no accreditation is required to enter, but only questions from journalists will be taken.
• English-Macedonian and English-Albanian interpretation will be provided.

For more details, please contact:

Kira Gutnikova, Media Analyst for the Election Observation Mission

Kira.Gutnikova@odihr.mk or +389 71 393 062

Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson

Katya.Andrusz@odihr.pl or +48 609 522 266

597072 Marina Živaljević

In response to a request from the Police Directorate to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Regional Security Centre (RSC) “North”, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro provided technical equipment for six security centres and three police stations in Bijelo Polje, Berane, Kolašin, Mojkovac, Rožaje, Plav, Andrijevica, Gusinje, and Petnjica.

Head of the Mission, Ambassador Jan Haukaas, yesterday met with Police Director, Lazar Šćepanović, and Head of the RSC North, Haris Đurđević, in Bijelo Polje. During the meeting, they acknowledged the Mission’s longstanding support for the police and how its future activities could be shaped to further strengthen professionalization, build capacity, and enhance public trust in the police.

“The Mission remains committed to supporting the police with capacity-building and the provision of expertise, while adapting to emerging needs”, said Ambassador Haukaas. He further noted that the Mission is also interested in contributing towards further strengthening crisis response, transparency, and resilience against organized crime. “Our priority areas remain the fight against serious and organized crime, combatting trafficking in human beings, and reducing risks linked to small arms and light weapons,” stated Ambassador Haukaas.

Police Director Šćepanović said that the Mission, from the very beginning of its presence in Montenegro, has provided a significant contribution to enhance the collective security of the country. He stressed, “This technical support is of exceptional importance to supporting the field work and enhancing the capacities of the RSC ‘North’, especially considering the particular regional challenges and its continuous need to improve material and technical capacities.”

On this occasion, Šćepanović highlighted the efforts of the Police Directorate in Montenegro’s ongoing reform processes, particularly those related to justice, freedom and security, as well as the development and implementation of harmonized security policies aligned with European standards and the OSCE. He stated that “The primary focus is on organized crime, corruption, human trafficking and illegal migration, the suppression of narcotics smuggling, modern forms of hybrid threats – including disinformation - and the establishment of mechanisms to enhance resilience and countering external influences on the security sector.”

Head of the Centre Đurđević thanked the Mission for the provision of technical equipment, which has enhanced the RSC North’s overall capacity. He stated that “Part of the technical equipment has been distributed in the newly established RSC North’s headquarter, while the rest has been distributed to other municipalities,” explained Đurđević.

An-OSCE supported training course on strategic analysis in combating money laundering and financing of terrorism took place in Ashgabat from1 to 4 September 2025.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the four-day event in close co-operation with Egmont Centre of FIU Excellence and Leadership (ECOFEL), Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. The training course was specifically designed for staff members from the Financial Monitoring Service at the Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan aiming to enhance their professional capacities and empower them to effectively implement specific points of the Plan on Technical Assistance to Turkmenistan on addressing recommendations from the second round of Mutual Evaluations by the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG).

International experts explored the subtle intricacies involved in strategic analysis, highlighting  the characteristics of critical thinking and the importance  of structured analytical techniques to help counteract fixed mindsets and biases. Participants also discussed the differences between qualitative and quantitative analysis and the various stages of the intelligence cycle.

“The OSCE actively supports national reforms and transparency initiatives, as well the development and implementation of more effective policies and mechanisms to help participating States in enhancing good economic governance, establishing robust anti-money laundering systems, and promoting sound financial and resource management,” said Olivera Zurovac-Kuzman, Economic and Environmental Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. 

“The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat is actively co-operating with Turkmenistan to strengthen its national AML/CFT system, including by improving legislative frameworks and conducting capacity-building activities within the framework of the Plan on Technical Assistance to Turkmenistan aimed at addressing recommendation from the second round of Mutual Evaluations by the EAG,” added Zurovac-Kuzman.

The course also provided detailed insights into the stages of the intelligence cycle, including  planning, collection, evaluation, collation and review of information sources. Experts shared requirements on strategic analysis findings reporting.

597030 Communication and Media Relations Section

In response to the growing threats posed by illicit trafficking in firearms, ammunition and explosives, the Government of Ukraine is seeking to develop a national strategy on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), together with a comprehensive action plan to guide its implementation.

To support this effort, the OSCE convened key national and international stakeholders at an expert workshop on 27 and 28 August in Kyiv, in partnership with Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and the European Union Advisory Mission to Ukraine.

During facilitated plenary and group discussions, participants outlined the main pillars and priorities of the strategy. These include necessary steps for improving weapons tracing and stockpile management, enhancing border control, updating national legislation, raising public awareness and strengthening inter-agency co-ordination against illicit trafficking of SALW.

“The policy documents we develop today will serve as a unified national approach and a strategic tool that will enable us to co-ordinate efforts across the government, law enforcement and with our international partners to more effectively address the risks associated with illicit weapons. This is important work we do for the safety of our citizens and communities,” said Oleksii Serheiev, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

To ensure the document aligns with international best practices and SALW control standards, the drafting process was supported by the representatives from the South-Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (UNDP SEESAC), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT Firearms) and the Ammunition Management Advisory Team of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (AMAT GICHD).

The event was held as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project "In support of strengthening the capacities of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects", financed by the European Union, Finland, France, Germany and Poland.

596977 OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp (second from left) in North Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, accompanied by the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Gerard McGurk (second from right), 27 August 2025. OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Respecting and promoting language rights critical to building a sustainable, multiethnic society, says OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities in Prishtinë/Priština The Lund Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Public Life The Graz Recommendations on Access to Justice and National Minorities The Oslo Recommendations regarding the Linguistic Rights of National Minorities

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp visited Kosovo from 25 to 29 August 2025, where he met with the authorities in Prishtinë/Priština. He also met representatives of non-majority communities, religious leaders and civil society organizations, as well as members of the international community.

The High Commissioner visited Prishtinë/Priština, Gjilan/Gnjilane, Parteš/Partesh, North Mitrovicë/Mitrovica and Gračanica/Gracanicë. Among others, he met with President Vjosa Osmani, Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Acting Minister of Communities and Returns Nenad Rasic, Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Xhelal Sveçla and Kosovo Police Director Gazmend Hoxha. He heard from political parties and civil society organizations representing non-majority communities and had an exchange of views with Bishop Teodosije. He also met senior officials from the European Union Rule of Law Mission, the Kosovo Force and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.  

Kamp had the opportunity to gain first-hand insights into matters of relevance to his mandate on the situation of non-majority communities in Kosovo, including their participation in public life, as well as rule of law issues and language rights. While in the north of Kosovo, the High Commissioner was able to focus on the dynamics there and their effects on residents from all communities, particularly Kosovo Serbs.

In his engagements, the High Commissioner emphasized the need for meaningful dialogue and consultations with non-majority communities on issues affecting them and the importance of their effective participation in public life.

The office of the HCNM has been engaged in Kosovo on the implementation of the framework of language rights for several years, and during this visit Kamp met with the Rector of the University of Prishtinë/Priština to discuss the status of the Balkanistics Programme. 

The visit was organized with the support of and in close co-operation with the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

596920

The OSCE, through its Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), held a two-day workshop in Astana on 6-7 August 2025 to enhance the capacity of the Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan in investigating crimes involving virtual assets and facilitating the recovery of stolen or lost digital assets.

The event gathered representatives from the General Prosecutor’s Office of Kazakhstan, including its regional offices, the Asset Recovery Committee of the General Prosecutor’s Office and the Law Enforcement Academy, to exchange experiences and enhance practical skills.

The objective of the workshop was to enhance the capacity of the Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan in investigating crimes involving virtual assets and facilitating asset recovery. Through expert-led sessions, practical exercises, and peer exchange, the workshop provided participants with a solid understanding of blockchain technology, typologies of virtual asset-related crimes, the use of blockchain analytics tools, and international standards and good practices in virtual asset tracing and recovery.

By sharing international expertise and best practices, the OSCE contributes to improving transparency, accountability, and effective law enforcement in the evolving digital economy.

“The evolving threats associated with the misuse of virtual assets are of significant importance today, and the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan places strong emphasis on addressing these challenges. Workshops like this are crucial for our practitioners, investigators, and prosecutors, as they equip them with practical tools to effectively tackle these issues in the future. We are grateful to the OSCE for organizing this event and look forward to continuing our cooperation with the OSCE on this topic, including efforts to address the regional dimensions of virtual assets and asset recovery,” said Nurdaulet Suindikov, Chairman of the Asset Recovery Committee of the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan, during his opening remarks. “This marks an important step in our joint efforts to help participating States in Central Asia respond to the rapidly evolving challenges of virtual assets. We will continue to support the Asset Recovery Committee and other institutions in Kazakhstan in their daily work to address the practical challenges associated with virtual asset risks”, highlighted Zurab Sanikidze, Senior Project Officer at the OCEEA.

“Virtual assets and associated crimes are a global and rapidly growing phenomenon that require enhanced international cooperation,” stated Ullrich Kinne, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Republic of Kazakhstan, in his opening remarks.

The workshop was organized in close co-operation with the Asset Recovery Committee of the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is part of the OSCE’s extra-budgetary 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 and funded by Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States.

VIENNA/HELSINKI, 1 September 2025 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Foreign Minister of Finland Elina Valtonen, and OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu welcome the adoption of a Ministerial Council decision closing the Minsk process and related structures following a Joint Appeal from Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“I would like to once again extend my warmest congratulations to Armenia and Azerbaijan on their historic agreements towards peace and normalization of relations and their resolute decision to start their prompt implementation. I have responded without delay to their Joint Appeal and would like to express my sincere appreciation to the parties for their excellent co-operation in the process. I also would like to commend participating States for their collaborative spirit in achieving this consensus,” said Minister Valtonen.

This Ministerial Council decision follows the 8 August Joint Declaration signed in Washington D.C by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and witnessed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump. The Ministerial Council decision was adopted by consensus of all 57 OSCE participating States.

“This is a historic development that underlines what diplomacy can achieve, even after decades of conflict and mistrust. It demonstrates that agreement remains possible when there is a shared determination between parties to find common ground,” said Secretary General Sinirlioğlu.

The OSCE Chairperson-in Office and OSCE Secretary General reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to supporting efforts that bring lasting peace and stability to Armenia, Azerbaijan and the wider region.

Following the adoption of this decision, the OSCE will take steps to implement the closure of the Minsk Process and its related structures. Only administrative functions, such as the handover of assets and equipment, will continue until the process is completed no later than 1 December 2025.

596881 Volker Frobarth, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, Bishkek, 1 September 2025.

Bishkek, 1 September 2025 — The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Volker Frobarth of Germany as the new Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek.

Dr. Frobarth brings more than two decades of experience in international cooperation, diplomacy, and security affairs, with a strong focus on the post-Soviet region. From 2021 to 2025, he served as Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, Kazakhstan. He also represented the OSCE Chairpersonship in the Latvian-Russian Joint Commission on Military Pensioners and has served with OSCE field operations in Tajikistan, Georgia, Latvia, and Ukraine.

His regional expertise is further rooted in his work with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), where he held executive positions in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and other neighbouring countries between 2009 and 2021.

Dr. Frobarth has also held senior posts within the Ministry of Economy of the German State of Hessen, including Director for Foreign Trade with the CIS and Baltic States, and Head of the Economy, Infrastructure, and European Affairs Division at the Hessen State Representation in Berlin.

He holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Political Science, Eastern European History, Public Law, and Law of the Eastern European States from the University of Kiel, Germany. He is fluent in German, English, and Russian.

Dr. Frobarth’s deep understanding of Central Asia and extensive diplomatic experience will support the OSCE’s work to promote security, good governance, environmental protection, and human rights in Kyrgyzstan.

The OSCE looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with national authorities, civil society, and international partners under Dr. Frobarth’s leadership.

HELSINKI/VALLETTA/BERN, 29 August 2025 - Today, the OSCE Troika – Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and Foreign Minister of Finland Elina Valtonen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta Ian Borg, and Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis – made the following statement:

“Yesterday, Russia carried out one of its deadliest attacks on Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine since the war started. The overnight attacks targeted all Kyiv’s residential districts and caused the death of at least 23 civilians, including 4 children, and left many more injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. The strikes caused widespread destruction, including damage to the premises of the European Union Delegation and the British Council in Kyiv.

We condemn these strikes in the strongest possible terms. Russia’s escalating attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in recent months further highlight the urgent need for an unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire.

We support the efforts of US President Trump towards ending Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and achieving a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine.  We urge Russia to stop the killing and engage in constructive negotiations. Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities.

Russia must be held accountable for its actions. Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited under international humanitarian law; those directed against civilians may constitute war crimes. There must be no impunity for crimes committed in and against Ukraine, including war crimes and the crime of aggression.

We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and for a just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.

We reiterate our full support for continued efforts to secure the return of Ukrainian deported children, the exchange of prisoners of war, and the release of arbitrarily detained civilians, including the three detained OSCE officials.”