Border management

Borders are the first lines of a country’s defence, and the movement of trade across them is critical to the health of economies across the globe. In 2005, the OSCE committed itself to achieving a balance between the need to maintain security against the cross-border threats and the freedom of movement for persons, goods, services and investments. Co-operation among participating States is key to this border management and security strategy, in particular on international risks such as drug trafficking, terrorism, migration, transport security and organized crime.

Security threats have dramatically evolved in the 21st century and are not confined to national boundaries any longer. New criminal networks tend to be interconnected and organized, and the lines between crime and terrorism have become blurred. The OSCE is responding to these transnational threats with a comprehensive strategy focusing on fighting terrorism; managing borders and keeping them secure; and building modern, democratic and efficient policing.

The Transnational Threats Department is led by a Co-ordinator and works to ensure better co-ordination, strengthened coherence and more efficient use of OSCE’s resources in addressing these challenges. It is comprised of four units - Action against Terrorism, Border Security and Management, Strategic Police Matters, and Co-ordination Cell, but also deals with cross-cutting topics, such as cyber/ICT security and POLIS, OSCE’s online law enforcement information system.