Less than a month into the official roll-out of the European Union Pact on Migration and Asylum, ICMPD commits to support the implementation of one of the foremost reforms in European migration and asylum policy. Following its work with Member States in developing their National Implementation Plans (NIP), ICMPD has been working to align national systems and procedures with the requirements of the EU Pact on asylum procedures, border security, screening, Solidarity responsibility mechanisms, and protecting vulnerable persons.
Countries
Lithuania
Status
Ongoing
Duration
15.04.2025
to
14.04.2026
Donors
This project is funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument and implemented by International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), in cooperation with the European Commission.
Summary
This project aimed to support Lithuania with the implementation of specific national reforms in line with the recommendations of the Schengen Evaluation and Monitoring Mechanism. Technical support was provided to the State Border Guard Service (SBGS), operating under the Ministry of the Interior, with a focus on strengthening training systems and enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness at the border.
The Schengen acquis forms the legal and operational basis for the area of free movement without internal border controls across the European Union. Following the 2023 Schengen evaluation in the field of external border management, Lithuania was recommended to take action in several priority areas.
One key recommendation was the development of a well-structured and comprehensive training strategy for border personnel, covering areas such as document examination, the identification of stolen vehicles, the use of the Schengen and Visa Information Systems, as well as fundamental rights and data protection. Another priority area was the enhancement of situational awareness mechanisms to support real-time coordination at both national and EU levels, particularly in relation to the use of EUROSUR Fusion Services (EFS).
Addressing these challenges through improved training, technological upgrades, and enhanced coordination were essential to ensuring that Lithuania’s border control remains resilient, cost-effective, and fully aligned with European security standards.
Support delivered
The project provided support to strengthen training systems and situational awareness mechanisms through study visits and peer exchanges with selected EU Member States. Relevant good practices were adapted to the national context and compiled in a dedicated repository and reviewed during a national workshop to assess their potential applicability. Structured follow-up supported the integration of selected approaches into existing systems, ensuring the support was practical, relevant, and in line with national priorities.
Activities were implemented over a 14-month period, in Lithuania and in partner countries, and were closely coordinated with the beneficiary to ensure targeted support and national ownership.
Results achieved
The project strengthened the professional capacity of SBGS by supporting efforts to improve the coordination and delivery of training as well as to enhance situational awareness mechanisms. By engaging in peer exchanges and study visits with selected EU Member States, SBGS explored relevant practices and practical models that supported the improvements in areas such as onboarding, staff development, and the operational use of EFS. The anticipated outcomes include enhanced training and operational capabilities of border personnel, and more effective use of EFS to support situational awareness and real-time coordination at both national and EU levels, in line with Lithuania’s reform priorities under the Schengen evaluation.