Border management

Borders can be both open and secure: open to allow for the cross-border flow of legitimate trade and commerce, and secure in the sense that the national security interests of states are protected. The OSCE is committed to achieving a balance between the need to maintain security against cross-border threats and the freedom of movement for persons, goods, services and commerce.

The OSCE supports the efforts of its participating States and Partners for Co-operation to strengthen the capacities of border-related agencies and to promote co-operation between them, harmonizing border-related policies and practices in line with the OSCE Border Security and Management Concept and relevant Ministerial Council Decisions.

The OSCE Border Security and Management National Focal Point Network  and OSCE Policing OnLine Information System (POLIS) serve as platforms to exchange border-related information and experiences.

The Border Management Staff College serves as a centre of excellence and a vehicle for the delivery of expertise and best practices in border management and security. 

A number of OSCE field operations support effective border management. Their work includes:

• Maintaining a presence in border zones;
• Supporting co-operation and rapid information sharing between border police and neighbouring country counterparts;
• Training, workshops and awareness-raising for navy and border security officers, customs personnel, and aviation and airport security staff on:
  • Patrolling procedures, surveillance techniques, maritime security protocols, airport safety management, countering drug trafficking, strengthening travel document security, international profiling techniques, combating transnational organized crime, illegal trafficking of drugs and chemical precursors;
  • Early warning meetings with border services, local officials and residents;
  • Providing technical advice and assistance for preventing and responding to border incidents.