On 24 February 2022, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today, four years later, this difficult anniversary serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people and the international community’s continued commitment to their cause. Since the outset, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) has remained dedicated to supporting those affected through a comprehensive range of initiatives, including consultation and assistance for Ukrainians abroad and critical work in Integrated Border Management.
Central to these efforts is the EU4IBM-Resilience project, funded by the European Union with a budget of 20.5 million EUR. The project contributes to the resilience of border management in Ukraine by strengthening the capacities of Ukrainian IBM agencies, including the State Border Guard Service and the State Customs Service, in the context of ongoing war. By ensuring safe international mobility and facilitating trade through adapted routes, the initiative helps protect both Ukraine and the EU from conventional and hybrid threats.
To maintain the flow of the Ukrainian economy, the project has focused heavily on trade facilitation and non-intrusive inspection. Key technical achievements include the procurement of three large-scale mobile cargo scanners and the provision of UPS and power stabilizers for seven stationary units to ensure uninterrupted operations. The project also delivered 10 advanced automated wireless weighing systems equipped with number plate recognition and traffic management to speed up border processing. These technological upgrades are paired with extensive capacity building, including training for customs canine teams and specialized courses for scanner operators to enhance the detection of illicit substances and explosives.
Beyond trade, the project provides vital support to the personnel of the border agencies. This includes the delivery of 20 handheld scanners, 500 mobile radio stations and five tailor-made vehicle-based thermovisual surveillance complexes to increase security at border crossing points and prevent illicit movement across the green border.
Recognizing the human toll of the conflict, ICMPD has prioritized the rehabilitation of service members. Through an investment of 250,000 EUR, border guard hospitals were provided with physical rehabilitation gear, including a state-of-the-art exoskeleton and cryotherapy devices, alongside resources dedicated to the psychological rehabilitation of service people. By helping improve human resources management within SBGS, the project supports the adaptation of new recruits and improvement of staff engagement for the agency that both plays a crucial role at the peaceful border with EU countries and defends the country at the frontline.
Furthermore, the project provided cloud services for the secured operation of legislator databases and continuedly assisted the legal approximation of Ukrainian law with the EU acquis.
Through these multifaceted efforts, ICMPD continues to provide practical assistance that reinforces international backing for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and recovery for future reconstruction. ICMPD stands firmly with Ukraine and its courageous people as they continue to defend their country.
