NEWS

European agencies share border security experience with Ukraine ahead of EURO 2012 kick-off

04-04-2012

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (UASBGS) and the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) are stepping up their cooperation as the date nears for the kick-off of the EURO 2012 football championships, co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine.
 
Today, a border-security conference co-hosted in Kyiv by UASBGS and EUBAM saw participants from several European countries present priorities and challenges ahead of EURO 2012, with Ukrainian participants briefed on the experience of countries that have planned for such events in the past, and reflect on the state of their preparation with the tournament now just weeks away.
 
Representatives from the border-guard, customs and law-enforcement services of Ukraine, their counterparts from Poland, Germany, Hungary and Austria, as well as EU and diplomatic representatives, heard experts discuss issues pertaining to border security and optimization of border guard and customs procedures.
 
“EURO 2012 presents a unique challenge for our partner services," said Udo Burkholder, Head of EUBAM, adding the mission was honoured to be in a position to contribute to the preparation for the tournament. "It is a unique challenge, but also a unique opportunity. I am also delighted that representatives from our counterparts in EU Member States, who have past experience of organising such events, are here this week.”
 
EUBAM and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine have intensified their cooperation ahead of EURO 2012. Officers from the UASBGS, as well as from the State Customs Service of Ukraine and Ministry of Internal Affairs, have taken part in English-language training events conducted by EUBAM, in conflict management training, and in a number of public-communication initiatives.
 
Among the key aspects of the UASBGS’ preparation for EURO 2012 is the development of EURO Channels for football fans entering Ukraine, and the creation of four jointly operated border crossing points on the Poland-Ukraine border, that will speed up border-crossing times for fans.
 
“We have created regulatory framework, worked out technologies of border crossing procedures and agreed them with the partner services, and clarified approaches to safety and security issues during border crossing,” said the Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Mr Mykola Lytvyn. “Practical steps for the preparation of the personnel and technical means of control in accordance with the new technology of border crossing procedures have been planned.”
 
EUBAM contributes to the delivery of good quality border and customs services to the citizens and companies of Moldova, Ukraine and the European Union. Together with border guard and customs services of the two countries, the Mission facilitates people-to-people contacts, legitimate trade and security. (ENPI Info Centre)
 
Read more
 
Press release
 
ENPI Info Centre feature – To handle football fans border guards learn English
 
EUBAM – fiche and news 
 
EUBAM – photo gallery
 
EUBAM – video
 

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