Frontex’s European Border Surveillance Reference Architecture is a practical guide to help Europe’s border-surveillance systems work better together and get more value from investments at and beyond the border. It turns what border guards and planners need into clear capabilities and mix-and-match “building blocks” that can guide buying, upgrading, and day-to-day operations. The aim: easier information-sharing, smoother coordination, and stronger situational awareness.
Inside, the report explains how surveillance works today in the EU, what’s strong and what needs fixing, then looks at rules, risks, and how others (like the US, Australia, and the UK) do it. It highlights key tech trends and shows how the building blocks fit together. Two annexes add lessons from real deployments and a common set of terms so planners, engineers, and operators can speak the same language. The framework is designed to evolve as threats and technology change.