European Integrated Border Management : practical guide for effective strategic planning

The purpose of this guide is to support Member States and Schengen Associated Countries (Member States) with strategic planning for effective implementation of the EIBM. The first part of the document provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic and operational framework of EIBM, outlining how policy and strategy guide action. The second, practical part consists of step-by-step instructions with checklists, which offer guidance on the development, monitoring and review of national EIBM strategies, and which highlight inherent interdependence between the national level and governance on EU level, as enshirned in the Technical and Operational Strategy for EIBM (TOEIBM Strategy) 2023-2027. The guide aims to focus on key strategic elements such as governance and to complement, rather than replace, existing operational manuals such as catalogues, handbooks or other operational guidelines. First and foremost, the guide is directed at National EIBM Coordinators in the Member States and their teams, as well as members of relevant national structures involved in drafting, managing, revising, monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the national strategies for EIBM, with the necessary knowledge and guidelines in the EU Member States. It will also offer relevant context for representatives of national bodies responsible for the formal approval of the strategies. As such, it may also support experts implementing European quality control mechanisms in the future. The guide may also be a useful reference for non-EU/ Schengen countries who wish to align their national systems with standards in EIBM in view of a future accession to the EU/Schengen area. The document will undergo regular revisions to ensure it is up-to-date, as a minimum at the start of each strategic multiannual policy cycle for EIBM.