In the future, the conference should provide the necessary elements for practical decisions aimed at strengthening the existing system of interagency cooperation, coordination, information exchange and risk analysis in Ukraine.

Representatives of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine took part in a two-day conference on strengthening interagency cooperation between national entities in Integrated Border Management (IBM) in Ukraine, organized by the EU Support Project in strengthening Integrated Border Management in Ukraine (EU4IBM) ”, funded by the EU. The event took place on April 15-16, 2021 online.

As it was noted by Xavier Camus, Head of the First Division of External Assistance Programs "Good Governance and the Rule of Law" of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, the European Union pays great attention to cooperation and coordination of border services, information exchange and joint risk analysis both between EU Member States and with third countries, especially our immediate neighbors. The introduction of best practices in this area in Ukraine will significantly strengthen the national capacity in border management.

The forum allowed representatives of national IBM entities to review the current situation in Ukraine and obtain up-to-date information on existing EU practices, with an emphasis on the effective operation of national coordintion points. Participants learned about the benefits of approaches, institutional arrangements, technical solutions and best practices in the field of interagency cooperation at the EU and separate countries. Particular attention was paid to the situation in the field of coordination and exchange of information, risk analysis, preparation and use of joint products and discussion of the opportunities they provide.

According to EU4IBM Project Manager Arunas Adomenas, EU4IBM project experts presented conceptual developments for a focal point and risk analysis system that can significantly improve situational awareness, emergency response capacity and joint action planning in Ukraine. The examples of Finland, the Czech Republic and other countries show that working together, under one roof, border, customs and police services have a unique opportunity to pool their forces and resources and respond better to different challenges, including cross-border crime.

In addition to Ukrainian agencies, the conference was attended by representatives of national coordination centers of EU member states, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), the EU Advisory Mission to Ukraine (EUAM), the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM), and others. international and regional projects that provide support in the field of IBM. Together, participants were able not only to review existing and potential mechanisms for coordination and collaboration with information in Ukraine and EU member states, but also to talk about the difficulties encountered in establishing interagency cooperation, share successful experiences in overcoming challenges and problems and express their views on suggested solutions.

In the future, the conference should provide the necessary elements for practical decisions aimed at strengthening the existing system of interagency cooperation, coordination, information exchange and risk analysis in Ukraine.

According to Andriy Vikhtyuk, Director of the Department of Organization of Work, Planning and Control of the State Border Guard Service Administration, the implementation of integrated border management, in particular in combating cross-border crime, requires well-established cooperation in information exchange and risk analysis. Based on the provided recommendations, it will be possible to form a viable and effective model of interdepartmental cooperation between IAC entities in Ukraine. Border guards are interested in a comprehensive approach to the implementation of good practice to ensure quality results at both strategic and tactical levels, as well as the sustainability of the model.