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BUILDING UP CAPACITIES
In 2008 Moldovan and Ukrainian border agencies continued to improve the quality of their services with regard to the clearance of passengers and cargo. The development plans of the border guard and customs services in both countries demonstrate a clear vision for the future. However, its realisation will have financial implications, and will require further change in institutional culture.
EUBAM provided two seconded experts to assist the Moldovan border guard and customs services in the development of middle management reform. Furthermore, two EUBAM short term experts worked with the Border Guard Service of Moldova (MDBGS), the MDCS and the State Customs Service of Ukraine (UASCS) to assist senior managers of these three services in strengthening strategic management and planning, change management, decision making, and internal communication.
To facilitate long term and sustainable change in border management, every year EUBAM is delivering a comprehensive training programme to the partner services. The essential elements of this programme are:
- On the job training using transfer of skills at the work place;
- Formal training provided by EUBAM experts on both local and central levels;
- Study visits to EU Member States.
In total, EUBAM allocated EUR 600,000 for providing external experts, organising seminars, covering travel and accommodation expenses, and developing training materials. 1,299 representatives of Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities participated in the EUBAM training events in 2008.
On-the-job training
This training activity, conducted on a day to day basis and undertaken at the workplace, is designed to harmonise the skills and knowledge of border guard and customs officers with EU standards. EUBAM experts, deployed at the Field Offices, assisted and gave advice on how to improve border control. Providing continuous transfer of skills to partners, which is particularly relevant to local needs, has constituted a large part of the Mission’s work in the field. Sessions have often yielded immediate practical results, and have improved the quality of services provided to the public and trade.
Formal training
Formal training was provided at both local and central levels, usually organised as classroom training events.
Locally, EUBAM experts from Field Offices delivered seminars, addressing the immediate training needs of the partner services. Apart from other benefits, training implemented in the working environment with familiar equipment and trainers helped to build trust and develop mutual cooperation. The training agreed and provided locally covered document examination; drug awareness; risk profiling and selectivity; initial questioning; documentary examination; revenue awareness; stolen vehicle identification; ship and vehicle search; and use of equipment. Altogether 758 border guards and customs officers took part in formal training events at local level.
Centrally, EUBAM developed and delivered courses on a variety of different topics including: combating car trafficking, anti-corruption, public relations, detecting falsified documents, combating organized crime, i2 analytical software for risk analysis, customs valuation, rules of origin, trade facilitation, EU best practices in port control, senior management seminars, trafficking in human beings, intelligence gathering, and building of risk profiles. EUBAM provided ten recognised EU experts in their field in order to implement the 2008 training plan, and to provide consulting on various topics. In total 541 representatives of law enforcement agencies of the two countries participated in EUBAM training at central level.
Study tours
Three study tours were undertaken with a total of 24 participants. One group visited the UK to observe best practice in risk management. Here they learnt about recent innovations, which could be adopted by their services. Another study tour dedicated to public relations, took participants to Finland. In order to promote a multi-agency approach to combating organised crime, EUBAM conducted seminars in Moldova and Ukraine. A study tour to Poland for seven Ukrainian agencies was organised, enabling participants to observe how large scale organised crime is tackled in Poland.
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