The strengthening of security at the territory of Lithuanian-Polish border

Project number:

LTPL00002

Project status:

Ongoing

Call:

1

Priority:

3. Strengthening cooperation of local, regional and national stakeholders

Specific objective:

3.2. Other actions to support a better cooperation governance

Date:

From: 2024.02.01 Till: 2026.01.31

Project summary:

The project is initiated by Lithuania and Polish Border Guard Services which are responsible for implementation of public security objectives delegated by Governments in border region in the time of piece including prevention and management of illegal acts and crimes, investigation and intelligence, rescue of people etc. Recent years countries have been facing crisis situations, such as COVID19, illegal migration, war situation between Ukraine and Russia. Regional disparities within socio-economic development in both countries cannot be a reason for failing to provide public security or for providing it to a lesser extent or quality. Strengthening national security is considered to be the highest objective of the domestic and foreign policy of Lithuania and Poland. Despite the fact that the partners have very similar functions and common objectives, they operate within their national territory in accordance with national legislation, which obviously has its differences. The capacity of the partners to carry out their functions is similar in terms of equipment, activities, capacity, funding and other aspects. Considering that our countries belong to the same international organisations (EU, NATO, etc.), the Partner authorities are implementing common international obligations and agreements between the Governments of both States in the field of border protection. The overall aim of the project is - to enhance public safety in Lithuanian and Polish cross border area by improving management of institutional interaction and cooperation. The aim will be obtained by implementing two work packages. The duration of the project – 24 months. 1 WP is “Institutional interaction” and its specific objective – to increasing of interaction between Border Guard Services and other institutions in the Programme area in case of geopolitical threats. This specific objective will be obtained by implementing activity 1.1. Strengthening of communication and cooperation in the border region to enhance public security and activity 1.2. Development of proposals for institutional interactions. Particular deliverables will be worked out: 1 document (analysis, proposals, recommendation) and 1 video (recommendation in digital format) prepared providing implementation of particular tools or making new solutions regarding improvement of communication and cooperation within the region aiming ensuring of public safety; 1 International conference will be organized in LT in order to present recommendations on communication, discuss the best practice in cooperation, present project results; 40 participants from partners institutions will participate in international conference in LT. LP1- 20, PP2 – 20. 2 WP is “Joint actions governance” and its specific objective – to strengthen the capacities of LT and PL Border Guard Services to govern joint actions in case of geopolitical threats. This specific objective will be obtained by implementing activity 2.1. Joint training of Lithuanian and Polish Border Guard Services' officers on joint actions and activity 2.2. The purchasing of specialized equipment. Particular deliverables will be worked out: 1 joint training programme for improvement the interoperability of border guards and other statutory services in joint actions in the face of geopolitical threats in the LT-PL border area will be developed; 116 officers from partners institutions will take part in joint training (LT – 58; PL – 58); 22 units of specialized equipment for enhancing institutional capacities and common and joint actions will be purchased. For LP1 - 16 units, for PP2 - 6. The target groups of the project are – Lithuanian and Polish Border Guard services, national/regional/local authorities, general public. Two legal entities from two countries State Border Guard Service under the Ministry of the Interior of Republic of Lithuania and Podlaski Border Guard Regional Unit of Maj. Gen. Henryk Minkiewicz (LP1 - 1; PP2 - 1) will implement the project and will cooperate during project and up to one year after project completion. The main common objective will remain the same – ensure public security in LT-PL cross border region by implementing common and joint activities. The roles of the project partners will remain the same after the project has been implemented, and funding will continue to come from the State. The strengthen network with society and other institutions will empower to act more confident for common well-being. The partners are jointly responsible for the project results and could jointly use knowledges and capacities, equipment, open channel for communication, infrastructure. The partnership within this project is based of joint development, implementation, staffing and financing of the project.

Lead Partner:

State Border Guard Service under the Ministry of the Interior of Republic of Lithuania

Lead Partner region:

Vilnius county

Project Partner(s):

Podlaski Border Guard Regional Unit Of Maj. Gen. Henryk Minkiewicz

Total project budget:

999.911,12

ERDF:

799.928,89