Activities of the Transnational Threats Department 2.3 TNTD/Action against Terrorism Unit Introduction The Action against Terrorism Unit of the Transnational Threats Department (TNTD/ATU) is the OSCE’s focal point, information resource and implementation partner on counter-terrorism activities. The Unit’s work is guided by the OSCE Consolidated Framework for the Fight against Terrorism (PC.DEC/1063), adopted in December 2012. The Consolidated Framework outlines the strategic focus areas for counterterrorism activities by the Organization and provides a roadmap for further action. Importantly, the Consolidated Framework stipulates that the OSCE will further co-ordinate its efforts internally and co-operate externally with relevant regional and international organizations. The Secretary General will continue to ensure co-ordinated efforts among thematic structures within the Secretariat and other executive structures in the pursuit of activities related or relevant to counter-terrorism, in order to maximize the use of resources and available expertise. Furthermore, the Consolidated Framework mandates the OSCE Secretariat to continue ensuring the facilitation of cross-dimensional and crossinstitutional co-ordination of all OSCE counter-terrorism activities, without prejudice to the mandates of other OSCE executive structures. To this end, other OSCE executive structures are tasked to proactively inform the Secretariat about planned and ongoing activities as they relate to addressing terrorism and violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (VERLT). The 2017 highlight of TNTD/ATU’s work was the annual OSCE-wide Counter-Terrorism Expert Conference on “Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization that Lead to Terrorism”, convened in Vienna by the 2017 Austrian OSCE Chairmanship, attracting more than 550 participants from 56 participating States and all Partners for Co-operation. Participants exchanged views on recent international trends and national developments with regards to VERLT, the role that youth and women play in P/C VERLT, the challenge of addressing the phenomenon of FTFs as well as the importance of promoting good governance and human rights when countering terrorism. The conference concluded with a list of recommendations for participating States, Partners for Co-operation and the Organization’s executive structures. Activities Related to Threats Posed by Criminal Activity Counter-Terrorism and P/C VERLT expertise among stakeholders such as community police, the prosecutor’s office, prison management and probation services. The conference format was interactive, with practical breakout working groups and a field visit to the “Schilderswijk” neighbourhood of The Hague. On 26 January, TNTD/ATU attended the first year anniversary of the European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC) in The Hague, which was established to further co-operation among Europol member states in their fight against terrorism in Europe. Established in response to the 2015 Paris attacks, the ECTC focuses on the threat of FTFs, sharing intelligence and expertise regarding terrorism financing, online propaganda, illegal arms trafficking and international co-operation in general. From 28 February to 2 March, TNTD/ATU assisted UNODC in the organization of the Regional Workshop “Central Asia and the FTF Phenomenon: New Legal Challenges”, in Astana, Kazakhstan, by providing expert speakers and presenting on the topic of “Inter-Agency Collaboration and International Co-operation”. The workshop formed part of a series of events organized under a joint UNODC-OSCE regional initiative for Central Asia, focusing on criminal justice responses to terrorism threats, in particular related to FTFs. On 15 and 16 February, following an invitation by the Mayor of The Hague, TNTD/ATU participated in the International Conference on the Return of FTFs, in The Hague, Netherlands. The conference aimed at sharing Throughout 2017, TNTD/ATU organized a number of National Risk-Assessments and Crisis Situation Management Exercises on Non-Nuclear Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection, namely in Skopje (27-28 March), Tirana (26-27 27