Resume
Posibilities of Improving Cooperation of the Security Forces in the Framework of Border Management
JUDr. Monika Weber, Senior Advisor, Border Management and Security, International Centre for Migration Policy Development
State borders define the internal territory of each state. These include land border (green border), airspace (air border), and the area of inland and coastal waters (blue border). Each of these borders can be crossed only at designated and marked places, at border crossing points. The European exception is the so-called internal Schengen borders, where crossing the border is possible without border controls under a special regime in any place, unless it is directly prohibited. However, each Schengen country may, if necessary, temporarily reintroduce border controls at its internal borders for a reason given by law. EU member states implement the concept of Integrated Border Management (IBM), which aims to have open borders for fast and uncomplicated migration flows and the trade of goods, but at the same time to fully ensure security. This document is focused on IBM, the implementation of strategies through its action plans, especially in the Czech Republic. Several governmental and civilian agencies are involved in IBM, and their effective cooperation is key to secure open but secure borders. In preparing this document, the author used mainly research methods, such as secondary analysis of scientific studies, but also empirical research. The research is based on conducted surveys and focused expert interviews and their evaluation on the basis of a SWOT analysis. The benefit of the paper is the provision of a relatively comprehensive and up-to-date look at the issue of IBM, which in recent years has faced a number of challenges such as the migration crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic or the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Empirical research in the form of expert focused interviews with experienced experts both from the Czech Republic and other countries worldwide enabled the author to create a specific summary of the strengths and weaknesses in the implementation of integrated border management, but at the same time to emphasize the risks and outline the possibilities of improving effectivity and efficiency of border management in ensuring the state security. The author’s research is concluded with her recommendations, which define focus of further theoretical research as well as educational activities on this subject.
Keywords: Border management, Integrated Border Management, international cooperation, migration.