EU launches pilot project to combat smuggling and cross-border crime at Ukraine-EU border
The pilot project includes elements of technical re-equipment, as well as joint training and anti-corruption trainings to be implemented on the basis of the new infrastructure.
On May 17, 2021, the project “EU Support to Strengthen Integrated Border Management in Ukraine (EU4IBM)”, funded by the European Union, launched a pilot initiative to prevent cross-border crime on the “green border” between Ukraine and Romania. The pilot project includes elements of technical re-equipment, as well as joint training and anti-corruption trainings to be implemented on the basis of the new infrastructure.
“We welcome the efforts of the State Border Service of Ukraine aimed at improving the management of state borders and combating cross-border crime and smuggling. Integrated border management is actually key to strengthening security and promoting trade between Ukraine and the EU. The European Union is ready to assist Ukraine in solving the issues that arise in this regard at the most vulnerable parts of the border,” said Xavier Camus, Head of the Section “Good Governance and Democratization” of the EU Delegation to Ukraine.
As part of the launch of the pilot project, during May 17-18, a group of experts conducted an on-site assessment of the selected section of the Ukraine-EU land border in order to examine the existing border security infrastructure and its vulnerability to smuggling and other cross-border crimes, as well as to determine a comprehensive solution that will be implemented turnkey. As a next step, the group will prepare the technical specifications of the necessary equipment for border protection and a roadmap for its deployment, together with a set of measures to build the capacity of the DPS.
“The site we are working on is among the most vulnerable on the western border of Ukraine. Even during the experts' visit, the night patrol of border guards intercepted the smuggling of 27 boxes (13,790 packs) of cigarettes. Both Ukraine and the EU suffer losses from cross-border crime, and therefore must work together on a comprehensive approach that combines technical equipment and “soft” measures, as proposed in the framework of our project,” commented Arunas Adomenas, Head of EU4IBM.
The pilot initiative, initiated at the request of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, is based on a thorough analysis of measures and existing practices of combating cross-border crime on the “green border” — wooded, poorly protected areas of the border, as well as problem areas and topographic features identified in the relevant area. Based on the results of this evaluation, a wide range of recommendations were proposed, including streamlining work processes, the use of modern technical solutions for security, as well as measures to combat corruption and increase staff motivation. Over the coming months, DPSU and the EU4IBM project will jointly implement relevant recommendations for the validation of the proposed border protection solution.
Reference: EU Support to Strengthen Integrated Border Management in Ukraine (EU4IBM) project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), aims to support the implementation of reforms that bring the Ukrainian border management system closer to standards and best practices of the European Union within the framework of the Strategy for Integrated Border Management of Ukraine, adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on July 24, 2019. The project runs from December 2019 to June 2022.
State Border Guard Service of Ukraine
