OSCE completes needs assessment on implementation of Montenegro’s Advance Passenger Information system

On 23 and 24 February, the OSCE’s Transnational Threat Department (TNTD) conducted a two-day needs assessment visit in Podgorica on the status of Montenegro’s Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) system.

The implementation of such systems across the OSCE area is crucial to enhance travel security by facilitating passenger data exchange at border crossing points to tackle serious transnational threats, including terrorism and organized crime.

The visit, organized with representatives from the Montenegrin Ministry of Internal Affairs, including the Border Police, the Criminal Intelligence Unit and the Airport Police, served to support implementation of the API/PNR system in the country. It also reaffirmed the OSCE’s commitment in supporting the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2396 (2017) and, UNSCR 2482 (2019).

The visit included an assessment of issues that could affect the establishment of an efficient and comprehensive travel document system. It was also an opportunity to gather information from relevant Montenegrin authorities involved in implementing and managing the country’s API/PNR system. This included a meeting with the to-be-established Montenegrin Passenger Information Unit (PIU) and participation in an API/PNR donor meeting.

The discussions focused on exploring opportunities for future funding and capacity building, including with other international partners and donors. Improving co-ordination and co-operation within the existing Eastern European Informal Working Group (EE IWG), an informal forum for the exchange of best practices and experience on API/PNR between 17 OSCE participating States, was also discussed.

This visit is part of the OSCE’s long-term efforts to support participating States in establishing their own national passenger data systems, which includes legal support, technical assistance and operations/training delivery.