The Netherlands has provided a new contribution worth EUR 1.5 million to the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap Multi-Partner Trust Fund, thus renewing its support to this regional platform that strives to support a sustainable solution to arms control in the region. This brings the total contribution from the Netherlands to the Trust Fund to about USD 4.9 million.

“The Netherlands commends the progress made through the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap, which demonstrates how arms control can effectively contribute to human security and sustainable development. This initiative reflects a comprehensive and coordinated approach, linking arms control to broader security goals,” said Michaele de Goeij, Head of Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She added that in a context where the diversion of small arms remains a threat to both regional and European stability, the Roadmap stands as a concrete example of arms control in action, contributing positively to ongoing efforts on the ground. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to make a further contribution and remain one of the main and long-term supporters to the Roadmap” Ms. de Goeij concluded.

The Multi-Partner Trust Fund supports a donor- and jurisdiction-coordinated approach to the implementation of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of SALW, their ammunition and explosives in the Western Balkans. It strengthens coordination, planning and communication among all partners, fosters collaboration, and reduces risks to governments and financial contributors through a comprehensive risk and results-based management system.

Established in March 2019 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as Participating UN Organisations, the Trust Fund has benefitted from a strong cooperation with Germany and France, as the initiators of the Roadmap, that were soon joined by the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands. Due to the generosity and commitment of these donors, the Trust Fund mobilised contributions exceeding USD 30 million.

Thus far, the Trust Fund’s Steering Committee approved for funding 25 projects in support of the Western Balkans Roadmap implementation, with a value of US$ 26.7 million. The projects are implemented by the Participating UN Organisations, UNDP and UNODC, across the Western Balkans region. UNDP SEESAC functions as the Secretariat of the Trust Fund and is responsible for the overall coordination and monitoring of the Trust Fund, providing technical, management, planning and programming support.

For more information on the MPTF and its projects and results, please see the annual report 2024 [here], as well as the following platforms: SEESAC – MPTF and MPTF Gateway.