Management Board of Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, has started its third meeting with partners with the prospect of joining the European Union.

The event emphasizes the commitment to strengthening border management and cooperation across borders.

The Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Serhii Deineko addressed the participants of the meeting in the format of a video message.

«The €12 million grant agreement between the Frontex Agency and Ukraine was not only a manifestation of solidarity in the face of full-scale russian aggression and a sign of close cooperation with the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, but also a key element in supporting and ensuring stability on the border with the European Union», – emphasized the head of the border guard agency.

According to Serhii Deineko, the joint efforts and dedicated work of the State Border Guard Service and Frontex are an excellent example of how international cooperation leads to concrete and tangible results. At the same time, the leadership of the Border Guard Agency understands the full responsibility and complexity of the steps that need to be taken to build a reliably protected border of Ukraine, which in the future will become the external border of the EU.

The State Border Guard Service delegation, together with other participants in today’s sessions, are delving into critical topics such as the impact of the war in Ukraine on border security, joint operations outside the EU, and cooperation on return, readmission and reintegration.

Strengthening the external border is a key element of ensuring stability and development not only in Ukraine but also in neighboring countries, and will allow for better control and minimization of cross-border threats.

«In the context of active hostilities, when a significant number of border guards participate in the hottest spots of the conflict, such as Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Klishchiivka, Mariinka, Kherson, Zmiinyi island, we recognize the great responsibility for defense that we face not only in relation to our citizens, but also in the context of the European Union and the international community», – added Serhii Deineko, addressing the audience.

The goal of all the partners is the same – to ensure the protection of borders and respect for human rights and freedoms, and with fruitful cooperation it looks quite realistic to achieve it.