On 5 September 2025, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) marked the completion of its 10th phase with a Closing Conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The event gathered more than 100 high-level representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and national agencies of the five Central Asian countries, the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, EU Member States’ embassies, international organisations and the BOMCA Consortium and Associated Partners.
The conference served as a milestone in the Programme’s journey, bringing together participants to review BOMCA10 achievements, draw conclusions on its impact, and discuss the future direction of EU – Central Asia cooperation in of border management.
Opening the conference, representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Central Asian states, together with the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Kyrgyz Republic, underlined the symbolic significance of this event.
For over 20 years, the EU has provided European best practices in border management to the 5 Central Asian countries, and we have seen enormous progress in terms of management and use of technology. We will continue to provide European and international know-how to strengthen security and cooperation in the region.said Hans Farnhammer, Chargé d'affaires of the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic
BOMCA is the long-lasting flagship programme funded by the European Union. Since 2003, it has played a key role in strengthening cooperation between border control authorities, aligning systems with international and EU standards, developing trade corridors to facilitate trade, improving border management systems and eliminating drug trafficking across the region. BOMCA also contributes to the implementation of the EU Strategy on Central Asia by strengthening regional cooperation, security and sustainable development through improved border management.
The 10th phase, implemented between April 2021 and September 2025 by a consortium of border management institutions of selected EU member states and ICMPD, was led by the State Border Guard of the Republic of Latvia.
General Guntis Pujāts, BOMCA 10 Project Coordinator and Chief of the State Border Guard of Latvia, reflected on the Programme’s impact:
BOMCA 10 has been one of the most ambitious phases of the Programme, and also one of the most impactful. With over 7,000 participants involved and hundreds of strategic and practical documents developed, this phase has brought real, tangible change to border management in Central Asia. It stands as proof that regional cooperation and modern technologies can deliver lasting results, strengthening security and building trust across the region. For the BOMCA 10 implementing partners, it has been a privilege to contribute to these important achievements and to witness the progress made together.
The conference reviewed the impact and achievements across the four thematic areas of the project, highlighting the development of the institutional capacities of border control agencies in Central Asian countries to align with international standards under thematic Component 1 and the cooperation between law enforcement and border guard agencies in evidence-based investigations under Component 2. During the conference, it was also underlined that the support for regional economic integration as part of Component 3.
Component 4, implemented by ICMPD, promoted cross-border cooperation and living conditions in border areas by assisting government agencies in tackling urgent cross-border challenges, strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations, providing grants to NGOs and procuring equipment to support vulnerable groups in border regions.
Beneficiary institutions from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan shared practical examples of how BOMCA recommendations have been applied in daily operations - strengthening national border management systems, enhancing regional coordination and fostering cooperation among communities
Radim Žák, Head of Region Eastern Europe and Central Asia at ICMPD, emphasised the strategic relevance of cross-border cooperation and ICMPD’s continued commitment to the region:
BOMCA 10 marked a significant shift by placing communities and civil society at the centre of cross-border cooperation. ICMPD is proud to have led this innovative component, addressing both immediate challenges and long-term development needs in border areas. As we move into the next phase, we look forward to building on this strong foundation and leading the consortium in fostering resilient, people-centred border governance across Central Asia.
ICMPD has actively participated in the implementation of the programme since 2004, providing thematic expertise, and from phase 9 onwards became an integral part of the implementing consortium alongside EU Member States. ICMPD assumed a leadership role in the innovative thematic component on cross-border cooperation, complementing its broader initiatives in Central Asia, including Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and recently in Uzbekistan, supporting safe and informed migration.
Building on the foundations laid by BOMCA 10, Central Asian countries are well-positioned to advance border governance, foster economic development, and strengthen regional cooperation.
As BOMCA 10 concludes, the EU has reaffirmed its strong commitment to continue cooperation with the region and announced the funding of EUR 12 million for the next phase.
ICMPD will lead the 11th phase, along with the coordination of a thematic component on cross-border cooperation.
