News

On 21 May 2026, Frontex hosted the 23rd meeting of the European Integrated Border Management Working Group (EIBM WG) in Warsaw, gathering high-level representatives from ministries and border guard authorities of Member States and Schengen Associated Countries, the European Commission and Frontex. The participants met to engage in strategic discussions particularly relevant at the point when the current multiannual strategic policy cycle for European Integrated Border Management (EIBM) is undergoing evaluation.

Following the previous preparatory work launched by the Agency and the European Commission and engaging partners from the Member States and Schengen Associated Countries, the meeting, organised by the Capability Strategy, Planning and Coordination Unit, in cooperation with the Management Board Secretariat, provided a timely opportunity to prepare inputs for the next cycle amid a rapidly evolving security environment. The conclusions from the meeting will further support the broader reflection process that will accompany the future Multiannual Strategic Policy Cycle for EIBM, expected to be defined by the European Commission next year.

As the central strategic framework for the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG), the Technical and Operational EIBM Strategy , translating the policy to technical and operational framework which is further reflected in Frontex’s plans and national EIBM strategies of the Member States, provides the common direction guiding capability development, operational preparedness, cooperation, innovation, and the long-term protection of the EU external borders. Through this preparatory work, Frontex and national authorities aim to ensure that future strategic discussions are informed by operational realities, evolving risks, and lessons identified across the EBCG community.

A central focus of the meeting were the group discussions during a dedicated workshop addressing the growing challenge of hybrid threats affecting the European Union and its wider security environment. The workshop was firmly grounded in current realities and drew inspiration from recent real-life events affecting the daily work of the EBCG authorities and examined whether the current concept and priorities of EIBM remain effective considering the evolving and volatile security environment, including hybrid threats and cross-border crime.

Connecting to earlier discussions held by the group in 2025, the participants were encouraged to reflect over changes in approach or way of work over the past year. They discussed national good practices and operational experiences, that could strengthen preparedness, resilience, and coordinated responses, particularly in relation to vulnerable external supply chains and cooperation among border and coast guard authorities and partners. Furthermore, the workshop explored potential adjustments in capabilities, situational awareness, inter-agency and international cooperation, integrated planning, and risk analysis to support the future implementation of EIBM at both EU and national levels.

Above all, the workshop highlighted the need for greater flexibility and adaptability, enabling EBCG to respond effectively to evolving pressures at the EU’s external borders. This forward-looking mindset reflects the shared commitment of the EBCG community to continue strengthening a modern, resilient, and future-oriented European Integrated Border Management system and it will remain essential to safeguarding the integrity of the EIBM.

The EIBM WG, chaired by two co-spokespersons, the Danish Management Board member Signe Højland Jensen and Deputy Executive Director for Capabilities, Aija Kalnaja, plays a key role in ensuring the successful implementation of EIBM by the whole EBCG. It supports the Management Board decision-making process related to EIBM, in particular revising and operationalising of the Technical and Operational EIBM Strategy contributes to the integrated planning of the EBCG and the Capability Roadmap, promotes common standards, and facilitates the exchange of experiences and good practices to drive effective implementation of EIBM on national level. In addition to the implementation and operational aspects, the Working Group also addresses broader strategic and policy-related matters relevant to the future development of integrated border management in Europe.

The meeting of 21 May provided an opportunity to recognise the valuable contributions of the outgoing Vice Co-Spokesperson, Wietse Jelles from the Netherlands and to elect the new Vice Co-Spokesperson Jesse Seppälä, representing Finland, ensuring continuity inside the Working Group.

Looking ahead, in November 2026 the Group will present its Annual Report on the Implementation of the Technical and Operational EIBM Strategy by the EBCG to the Frontex Management Board - an essential part of the governance for the Strategy. It will provide a comprehensive assessment of whether the Strategy and, in particular, its Implementation Plan remain fit for purpose in the current environment, enabling the identification of necessary adjustments and amendments where required.

Through continued flexibility, adaptability, and stronger inter-agency cooperation, EBCG partners are well positioned to evolve and strengthen the EIBM system for the challenges ahead.