News

On 7 and 8 October 2026, Frontex hosted the 24th meeting of the Management Board Working Group for European Integrated Border Management (EIBM Working Group) and a dedicated workshop organised by the EU Commission on the evaluation of the current Multiannual Strategic Policy Cycle for European Integrated Border Management at its Headquarters in Warsaw. Representatives from EU Member States and Schengen Associated Countries, the European Commission and Frontex came together to review progress, assess the relevance of the current strategic framework for the European Border and Coast Guard and reflect on lessons learned for the next policy cycle.

The first day focused on the implementation of the Technical and Operational EIBM Strategy 2023 - 2027, which guides the joint work of Frontex and national border authorities. Discussions centred on the findings of the 2026 Strategy implementation report, taking stock of progress achieved across the European Border and Coast Guard community and highlighting areas requiring further attention. Participants considered whether the Strategy remains relevant in a changing environment and where adjustments may be needed. These findings will inform recommendations to the Frontex Management Board.

Participants also received updates on evolving risks and challenges at Europe’s borders, including geopolitical changes, hybrid threats and cross-border crime. The European Commission provided updates on funding and the state of play of the evaluation of the current multiannual strategic policy cycle 2023 - 2027. Together, these discussions set the scene for the second day, shifting the focus from implementation status to a broader reflection on how the current framework has worked in practice and what can be improved in the next one.

On 8 October, the European Commission, with support from Frontex, organised a dedicated workshop on the evaluation of the Multiannual Strategic Policy Cycle for EIBM 2023–2027. This framework sets common European priorities for integrated border management. The workshop provided national representatives and Frontex participants with an opportunity to reflect on the policy’s practical impact, identify where it has delivered added value, discuss challenges in implementation and draw lessons for the next strategic framework.

Participants drew on practical experience and evidence to illustrate how common European priorities have informed national strategies, planning and cooperation. Discussions explored whether the framework meets operational needs, responds to changing challenges and supports a coherent approach across Europe.

The conclusions and findings will contribute to the Commission’s evaluation of the current cycle and the preparation of the next cycle providing policy steer for EIBM 2028–2033, expected to be adopted in 2027. The insights gathered will help support a coherent, common approach to European Integrated Border Management in the years ahead.

The EIBM Working Group serves as the forum where EU-level policy priorities meet with the technical and operational strategic framework and national EIBM strategies. Continuous monitoring of the implementation of the technical and operational strategy for EIBM, together with the systematic assessment of experience gained during the current policy cycle are therefore essential to ensure that the framework remains responsive to operational realities, evolving risks and the needs of the EBCG community.

The EIBM Working Group continues to play an important role in this process. By bringing together strategic and operational perspectives from across the European Border and Coast Guard Community, it supports the implementation and further development of EIBM, facilitates the exchange of experiences and contributes to the Management Board’s decision-making on EIBM-related matters.