Focus on enhanced customs capacity and cooperation at the conference to prevent and combat smuggling of firearms
The Conference to Prevent and Combat Smuggling of Firearms in the Context of Russia’s Aggression against Ukraine took place in Stockholm on 14–15 February.
For two days, experts from the EU and other European countries, customs agencies and international organisations took part in panel discussions and sessions to find possible measures to strengthen customs cooperation.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine threatens the security of Europe and has increased the risk of firearms smuggling. Nearly a year after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, representatives from European customs agencies and international organisations gathered in Stockholm to find ways to strengthen customs cooperation and mitigate the effects of the Russian invasion. Security is one of the core priorities of the Swedish Presidency, and it is imperative to strengthen the security and safety of our Union and citizens.
Against this background, the conference focused on three topics:
- how to improve and facilitate the exchange of information between customs authorities;
- how to improve and intensify cross-border cooperation;
- how to enhance the capacity of customs authorities.
Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer opened the conference, emphasising its importance.
Video: Opening remarks by Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer
“Illegal firearms remain a threat to Europe, and responding to citizens’ legitimate demands for safe and secure communities is a priority of the Swedish Presidency. This conference was an important step towards furthering customs cooperation to mitigate the risks that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine presents. Cross-border cooperation is key to preventing the smuggling of firearms,” says Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer.
The conference gathered approximately 100 representatives from customs agencies and experts from the European Commission, the OSCE, Frontex and Europol, among others, to find possible measures to strengthen customs cooperation and to combat the smuggling of firearms. Among the conclusions reached at the conference was the importance of furthering information exchange and intensifying cross-border cooperation, including joint operations, between customs authorities and other law enforcement authorities.
Volodymyr Kovtun of the State Customs Service of Ukraine also attended the conference to present the situation in Ukraine regarding weapons control, registration, tracing and the recovery of firearms in the context of Russia’s war of aggression. Representatives were also present from customs agencies in the Balkans to share their experience and knowledge of preventing and combating the smuggling of firearms.
The outcome and conclusions from the conference will be revisited at a later stage during the Swedish Presidency.
Video: Message from European Commissioner Ylva Johansson
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, delivered a video message in which she appealed for help in the fight against gun trafficking.
Video: Meet Mimmi Larsdotter, customs officer