Countering terrorism

Anti-terrorist activities play a central role in the OSCE’s efforts to address transnational threats to security. These efforts are guided by the ‘OSCE Consolidated Framework for the Fight against Terrorism’ which highlights operational principles and identifies the strategic focus of future OSCE counter-terrorism activities. Activities are run to promote the implementation of the international legal framework against terrorism, to strengthen travel document security, to counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism, to counter the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes and help protect critical energy infrastructures.

Security threats have dramatically evolved in the 21st century and are not confined to national boundaries any longer. New criminal networks tend to be interconnected and organized, and the lines between crime and terrorism have become blurred. The OSCE is responding to these transnational threats with a comprehensive strategy focusing on fighting terrorism; managing borders and keeping them secure; and building modern, democratic and efficient policing.

The Transnational Threats Department is led by a Co-ordinator and works to ensure better co-ordination, strengthened coherence and more efficient use of OSCE’s resources in addressing these challenges. It is comprised of four units - Action against Terrorism, Border Security and Management, Strategic Police Matters, and Co-ordination Cell, but also deals with cross-cutting topics, such as cyber/ICT security and POLIS, OSCE’s online law enforcement information system.