Participants recognized the need for information exchange, transparency in technical and policy mechanisms, and enhanced regional coordination of practices where appropriate. In the short term, participants recommended a collaborative study on national capabilities and procedures specific to South East Europe. To enhance cooperation, the region could establish informal working groups at various levels in the technical, management, and policy arenas to share area-specific practices. In the long-term, the establishment of an informal Group of Governmental Experts could be used to consolidate and coordinate these practices.
5) Standardization
The region recognized the need for shared munitions classifications standards, common munitions surveillance systems, and national points of contact. Low levels of trust between governments and a lack of coordination are obstacles to this kind of information sharing. Navigating conflicting domestic laws and regulations will also prove to be difficult. The Southeast Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) maintains a database of national points of contact with responsibility over small arms policies and programs. To improve coordination in the short term, governments should work with SEESAC to maintain an up-to-date database.
