Strategy for integrated border management

4. EUROPEAN CONCEPT OF INTEGRATED BORDER MANAGEMENT
Regular duties in controlling the state borders relate to persons, transportation
means, and goods, which entails control at border crossings, prevention of
uncontrolled entrance cross the borders, including the issues related to seeking
asylum, and treatment of arrested persons without documents, in accordance with
international charters and conventions.
Control duties at state borders include tasks connected with various aspects of
border security breaches, such as: prevention of smuggling of goods, narcotics,
arms, and persons across borders, danger of spreading diseases infectious to
people, animals and plants, strengthened control due to threats of international
terrorism, protection of the unlawful interference in the operation of the equipment,
and others. Suppression of those requires a wide spectrum of strict control
mechanisms. On the other hand, increase of scope in international trade, tourism,
cultural and educational exchanges require more open borders. Therefore, border
services have to create a balance between strict controls and completely open
borders, and close co-operation of various services can contribute to creation of such
a balance.
Some of those duties can be clearly attributed to certain services, but a considerable
zone of overlapping of authorities is also notable, particularly in customs service and
border police. In those situations, clearly defined competences and professional cooperation
are preconditions for a successful overcoming of challenges. And, although
the border security is mostly under authority of the border police, all bodies have an
important role in achieving real security at borders.
The EU has introduced the concept of integrated border management (IBM), which is
not a new one, as the countries candidates (now member states) for the European
Union have developed in the last few years their own systems of border management
within the framework of integrated border management (IBM).
Efficient border management and real border security are of exceptional importance
for the region and Europe as a whole, but also important factors in the process of
stabilization and association (PSA) which lead the countries in the region towards the
goal of European integrations. Basic principles of efficient border management in the
context of European standards are:
• Openness of borders for trade and movement of persons. Borders must
be open for regional co-operation, for co-operation among the regions, and
also between regions and the European Union. Openness of borders implies
free trade and mobility of people as key factors of the Agreement on
Stabilization and Association, with full respect for human rights and freedoms.
• Closeness of borders for all criminal activities and other activities which
jeopardize stability in the region. Problems related to smuggling of all kinds,
illegal migrations, terrorism, and organized crime must be resolved
throughout the region, particularly at the border. Struggle against crime,
strengthening of state institutions, particularly judicial bodies and border
services, and establishment of the rule of law are the foundation for the
progress of a nation on the road to European integrations.
The European Union has transferred control of internal movement of goods and
persons from border crossings to services active on the territory of each of the
member states. At the same time, the Union defined the rules and standards in
accordance with which the crossing of outer borders of the Union evolves. The