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
Completed
Duration
15.04.2025
to
14.06.2026
Donors
This project was 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 compiled in a dedicated repository to support the identification and potential adaptation of relevant approaches in Lithuania, taking into account national priorities and operational needs.
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 contributed to strengthening the professional capacity of SBGS by facilitating knowledge exchange on training systems, human resources development and situational awareness mechanisms. Through study visits with selected EU Member States, SBGS enhanced its understanding of comprehensive training strategy development and implementation across border management functions, broadened its knowledge of staff recruitment and human resources development approaches, and identified good practices and common challenges related to situational awareness and the use of EUROSUR Fusion Services. These exchanges provided insights that may inform future institutional development and potential reforms in line with Lithuania's priorities under the Schengen evaluation.