Last updated: 8 October 2004

Aim: The Balkans GCPP strategy is working towards the goal of all the Western Balkans states being at peace within and between themselves, continuing on the path to closer integration with the EU and NATO.

Balkans GCPP activities are intended to help avert further conflict by tackling problems in the region in a co-ordinated fashion, in particular by supporting governments and other organisations committed to reforming the security sector, strengthening democratic and inter-ethnic relations, improving access to justice and tackling organised crime.

Security Sector Reform: To promote regional/national democratic control and accountability of national security sectors, and encourage informed public debate on security sector issues; to promote initiatives in selected countries, including indigenous capacity building, to help avert conflict, reduce violence and build sustainable security and peace; and to strengthen international and regional systems and capacity for conflict prevention, early warning, crisis management, conflict resolution/peace making peacekeeping and peace building. Projects include support to the reform of the Serbia and Montenegro (SaM) armed forces, initially through confidence building measures, increasing the interaction between the armed forces and SaM Parliament and other civil institutions; resettlement assistance; providing professional junior officer training in peace support through a Peace Support Operations Training Centre; and supporting the professional development of the Kosovo Protection Corps as a force for stability.

Strengthen democratic and inter-ethnic relations: To create strong state institutions with the infrastructure to govern multi-ethnic communities, to strengthen co-operation between NGOs, local authorities and citizens and to support the sustainable return of IDPs/refugees, including integration into the political process. Projects include supporting the work of the Office of Missing Persons and Forensics, identifying missing persons, building relationships between local governments and communities and supporting work to build inter-ethnic local communities.

Improve Safety, Security and Access to Justice: To support the development of affordable policies which link all parts of the justice system and effectively address the needs of its users, for example in Kosovo, preparing for the transfer of justice sector policy making from the international community to local responsibility. Successful implementation in selected local areas of community based justice, policing and crime prevention strategies, for example in Bosnia, aiming to prevent conflict by working at community level to increase fair and equitable access to justice through the courts; and in Serbia and Montenegro, assisting the implementation of strategies to promote more accountable, impartial, efficient and effective policing.

Tackling Organised Crime: to address the weakness of state institutions and the failure of the rule of law. Some examples of ongoing initiatives include the secondment of UK experts to Ministries of the Interior and Crime Units, the provision of equipment and training, and providing specialised training to customs authorities.

For more information please e-mail Balkans.gcpp.enquiries@fco.gov.uk