On 15 May 2025, an online expert discussion titled “Smart borders: digital solutions to strengthen border crossing points amid limited funding” took place as part of the EU-funded project EU4IBM-Resilience, implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). Around 40 participants joined the event, representing government agencies, international organizations, business, and expert communities.
The discussion was opened by the EU4IBM-Resilience project manager, Vyacheslav Toporov, who emphasized the importance of synergy between digitalization and institutional cooperation within Ukraine’s new Integrated Border Management Strategy. He stressed on the opportunity offered by a dedicated goal focused on innovation and research included for the first time into the strategy.
Project expert Iryna Sushko presented the analysis of European and global practices in implementing smart border concepts; she talked about major EU information systems (SIS, VIS, EES, ETIAS) and integrated platforms that facilitate effective cooperation among member states. The expert highlighted the need to uphold human rights with introduction of relevant monitoring mechanisms, and explore the potential of AI in border management. According to her, innovation must be comprehensive, coordinated, and legally regulated.
Later on, expert Yevheniia Hryhorieva shared findings of the analytical study on technical and legal conditions for implementing priority lanes for AEOs and NCTS users via the “eQueue” system. While Ukrainian legislation allows for such mechanisms, several obstacles remain on their way, including weak interagency coordination, lack of clear timelines, and limited interest from businesses in submitting transit declarations in advance.
The discussion also covered the differences between the European model, focused on uninterrupted flow, virtual border, AEO/NCTS usage, and decentralization of customs clearance, and the U.S. model, which emphasizes on-site customs clearance, the use of C-TPAT and FAST programs, and high throughput capacity at the border.
Participants stressed that the success of reforms depends not only on legislation but also on the quality of their implementation. Oleksandr Lazarev (European Business Association) noted that businesses still face fragmented services, including poor integration between eQueue and other platforms. Other challenges include lack of mutual AEO recognition, legal gaps in VAT credit on transit exports, and difficulties in paying fines in neighbouring countries, which erodes trust in cross-border systems.
Leonid Khmelnytskyi (AsMAP Ukraine) emphasized that desynchronized procedures on the neighbouring side often cause delays, unfairly attributed to the Ukrainian eQueue system. No digital tool, he said, can deliver results without synchronized and stable operations from both sides of the border.
Yelyzaveta Melnyk (IOM) confirmed that further eQueue development is currently funded by the EU, with ongoing work on slot reservations for AEO and NCTS cargo. Nadiia Konashchuk (Eastern Europe Foundation, UK DIGIT project) added that funding is secured through autumn 2025, but future sustainability will depend on Ukraine’s ability to maintain and develop internal capacities beyond external support.
In conclusion, participants agreed that the future of digital border administration relies on cross-sector coordination, harmonized efforts, and alignment with European standards. Vyacheslav Toporov wrapped up by saying:
“The approach Ukraine demonstrates in the digitalization of border administration is both our strength and a certain limitation — we are identifying effective solutions step by step, through practice. At the same time, it is important to reflect on all processes and develop a strategic vision — taking into account both our own interests and external requirements linked to the integration of Ukraine into the European Union.”
Ultimately, the successful implementation of the smart border concept requires not only advanced technologies but also legal clarity, information exchange, joint efforts, and continuous analytical support.
