ODA eligibility database

The Western Balkan countries have made substantial progress towards stability and security. Yet, transnational organised crime remains a serious problem for the region and Western Europe. Countries have recognised the need for a common legal framework and the importance of transnational cooperation to tackle the issue. However, challenges such as the integration of Kosovo in cross border cooperation persist. Despite this positive intent, cooperation among countries in the region, mutual trust and strategic and operational capacities have proven to be too weak to tackle transnational security threats.

To strengthen transnational police cooperation to fight serious and organised crime in the Western Balkans, thus contributing to improved security of the population in the Western Balkans region and throughout Europe. Activities include: support to the PCC SEE to strengthen structures and processes in order to enable more effective cross-border cooperation and incorporation into national law and practice; support to the International Law Enforcement Units (ILECUs) to organise joint regional trainings for law enforcement agencies and improve efficiency of regional exchange of information; capacity development of Border Police Officials to undertake and oversee joint border patrols; capacity development of analysts in criminal investigations to enhance intelligence led policing and information and data exchange across countries as well as support to law enforcement officials working in port control units to successfully intercept smuggling through shipping containers.

Five regional projects are supported; e.g. contributing to the Police Cooperation Council roadmap implementation through improved use of cooperation methods for joint investigation teams, cross-border surveillance.

This activity is deemed ODA-eligible. It directly aims at supporting the fight against serious and organised crime in the Western Balkans. It demonstrates the rules on activities involving partner country police, specifically with regard to financing for police functions pursuant to preventing and addressing criminal activities, and the provision of related non-lethal equipment and training in the context of countering transnational organised crime (paragraph 100). None of the expenditures focus on enhancing security in Western Europe. Activities were delivered by international partners (OSCE Missions, IOM, and UNODC) and not the Swiss Police. Swiss stakeholders acted as advisors to the Steering Board, but were not remunerated for their efforts. If the police would deliver this activity, it would still be ODA-eligible, but only the additional costs are then reportable as ODA (paragraph 100).