Promotion of information exchange and support for the establishment of Advance Passenger Information (API) systems in the OSCE Area – Phase II

(1 January 2024 – 31 December 2029) Experience & sustained engagement OSCE support For nearly a decade, the OSCE has been supporting pS by raising awareness of and providing technical assistance for the establishment of API systems. Such activities have been implemented in Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo*, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, resulting in the development of 14 national API roadmaps to initiate national API projects. In 2022, the OSCE and UNOCT signed an MoU establishing the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Informal Working Group on Passenger Data. Since 2017, six OSCE-wide and two regional Passenger Data Seminars are organized annually, including jointly with the UNOCT since 2019. The project receives partial funding from Germany, Norway and UNOCT. Additional extrabudgetary contributions are necessary to meet the planned objectives. Upon request from pS: Support the implementation or finalization of API systems through the establishment of national Passenger Information Units (PIUs) to effectively collect and analyze passenger data. Provide expert advice, procure technical equipment and organize study visits and capacity-building training activities. ExB Project - Promotion of information exchange and support for the establishment of Advance Passenger Information (API) systems in the OSCE area - Phase II The OSCE serves as the secretariat of the EECA IWG on Passenger Data. The IWG is a unique platform for exchanging ideas and developments in technologies, new application of passenger data frameworks and exploring passenger data analysis across different modes of travel. Since its establishment in October 2021, the IWG has been meeting on a regular basis, in person and online. Background Law enforcement agencies use API systems for screening travellers against the relevant databases and identify passengers of interest, including those subject to UN sanctions and travel bans. OSCE’s added value Eastern Europe and Central Asia Informal Working Group (EECA IWG) on Passenger Data The surge in cross-border movements of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) continues to pose threats to OSCE participating States (pS). UN Security Council resolutions 2170 (2014), 2178 (2014), 2309 (2016), 2396 (2017) and 2482 (2019) call on Member States to implement obligations to collect and analyse API in order to combat this evolving threat. OSCE Ministerial Council Decision 6/16 also mandates pS to establish API systems in accordance with WCO/IATA/ICAO standards. API systems can be an effective tool to prevent the movement of potential FTFs and combat transnational organized crime and illegal migration. API systems also enhance border and aviation security, speeding up border checks while ensuring internal security. https://www.osce.org/secretariat/borders Donors International partnerships & co-ordination * All references to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text should be understood in full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244.