OSCE supports Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs in strengthening strategic communications and international cooperation on weapons control

The OSCE organised a study visit to Tirana, Albania, for representatives of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies to strengthen strategic communications on civilian weapons regulation, promote public awareness of safe behaviour, and enhance international co-operation in preventing illicit arms trafficking.

The study visit brought together communication specialists from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Police of Ukraine, along with a representative of the Firearms Control Division. The initiative aimed to strengthen participants' capacity to develop effective public communication strategies, foster informed public dialogue on civilian firearms regulation, and support awareness-raising efforts on safe behaviour and the risks associated with illicit weapons.

During the visit, the Ukrainian delegation exchanged experiences with representatives of the Albanian Ministry of the Interior, the Albanian State Police, civil society organizations and media professionals. Particular attention was given to Albania's comprehensive reform of its firearms control framework following the 1997 crisis and its subsequent alignment with European Union standards as part of the country's EU accession process. Discussions explored how legislative reform, institutional capacity-building, digitalization and transparent public communication have contributed to stronger firearms control, greater public trust and closer alignment with European best practices.

The Ukrainian delegation also presented ongoing national efforts to regulate civilian firearms, including the registration and declaration of weapons in the current wartime context. These exchanges provided an opportunity to compare approaches and identify practical solutions relevant to Ukraine's evolving security environment.

As part of the visit, participants toured the Albanian State Police's Deactivation Centre to gain first-hand insight into operational procedures for firearms deactivation and the management of controlled weapons.

The program concluded with meetings with the Ambassador of Ukraine to Albania and the Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, reinforcing a shared commitment to international security and inter-agency coordination.

The study visit was implemented in close co-operation with the Albanian Ministry of Interior and State Police and the OSCE Mission to Albania,  and as part of the OSCE extra-budgetary 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", funded by the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, and Poland.