In order to develop training materials, including common training standards, and to ensure a broad scope of training activities, Frontex has developed a network of Partnership Academies in 15 Member States. These training centres host Frontex-organised training courses both theoretical and practical as well as training development conferences. The training courses at these facilities are focused on small groups (of 10 to 20 participants) and include areas as diverse as communication in the field (e.g. between helicopters, boats and planes), sea survival training for helicopter crews, mountain survival training, use of Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), and tactical training, as well as less tangible fields like fundamental rights, ethics, languages and cultural sensitivity.

The aim of such courses is not to standardise procedures across the EU, but to facilitate effective co-operation during joint operations and to foster a common sense of European “border-guardianship” with a set of shared values and practices. The hope is that as national representatives train together and share experiences, mutual compatibility and a European border-security culture will naturally evolve.

“Harmonisation is not about quantity, it’s about quality.”