Venice – FRONTEX organized annual Conference for the operational heads of international airports from the EU and partner non-EU countries in order to further promote the added value of cooperation in the field of the Integrated Border Management. Representatives of the FRONTEX partner organizations from IOM, UNODC, ICMPD, INTERPOL and MARRI also attended the Conference.
Over 150 senior officials responsible for border control at the international airports discussed about maintaining high standards at the airports, issues of shared interest, latest developments in the area of air borders as well as the way of expanding existing cooperation and coordination.
Deputy Executive Director Berndt Koerner in the opening remarks stressed that the aim of the Conference was to enhance integrated border management at European airports, making sure that the rise in air travel does not negatively affect border security and the comfort of travelers. He also pointed out that by maintaining the freedom of movement and the further development of economies has to go hand in hand with efficient and modern border control.
MARRI RC delegation headed by Director Tamara Mugosa was invited to present its structure and activities in line with recent developments. Mugosa informed on the ongoing reform process, project activities and establishment of new strategic partnerships, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with FRONTEX in assisting border police services of the WB6 in building administrative and operational capacities. BORDAIRPOL II Project Manager, Selma Mehovic presented implemented project activities focusing on those organized in cooperation with FRONTEX with particular emphasis on handbook for border police at the airports (VEGA children) as FRONTEX product to be translated to WB languages, initiated in close cooperation with FRONTEX Air Border Sector, thanks to its Head, Mr. Claudio Kavrecic that supported MARRI initiative to transfer know how to WB6 border police forces, right upon publication of this handbook for EU air border police.
At the margins of the Conference Mugosa discussed with FRONTEX management about possibilities of development of activities and programs for enhancing cooperation between two organizations.
Two projects representing intensive cooperation between INTERPOL and FRONTEX were presented one related to Integrated Border Management Task Force activities and the other illustrating connection between FRONTEX Quick Check Card and INTERPOL Dial-Doc platforms.
FRONTEX representatives presented the review of the operational activities carried out in 2017 and challenges expected in course of 2018 at air borders. Conference focused also on the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) which is expected to be implemented by 2020. Also, newly established Centre of Excellence for Combating Document Fraud that shall offer support to border services in detecting fraudulent travel documents was presented.