Description
The project has international scope, hence most of the activities will be realised in the Slovak-Ukrainian CBC territory. The key stakeholders and participating institutions are Slovak, Ukrainian and Norwegian entities (universities and NGOs), while target group and expecting cooperation is also with the Slovak and Ukrainian custom and border police authorities. It's a research and educational project aimed for better management of Slovak-Ukraine Schengen border. In all activities, the core idea is to transfer Norwegian know-how from the EU-Norway relations and Norway-Russia CBC relations for the enhancement of the EU/Slovak-Ukrainian relations, for bringing closer of Ukraine to the EU, and for enhancement of the border management. Project aims are: 1) to improve of existing shortcomings in the quality of human resources of customs and border institutions, particularly in education and communication of Slovak and Ukrainian border guard and custom officers by trainings, research stays and developing study manuals for them; 2) policy improvements and facilitated regulations for better border management; 3) to improve of information providing, not only among expert community and between state and non-state actors, but also to general public; 4) to create of better conditions at the border crossings, esp. by recommendations for better border management and speeding up control procedures of passengers; 5) support initiatives leading to policy change in favour of improved conditions at border crossings; 6) to establish and build up with Norwegian know-how special study program at University of Presov on "Border Studies".
Summary of project results
The main outputs of the project can be summarized as follows: 1) Academic and policy applied research: policy recommendations ; 2) Education and training activities aimed at know-how transfer: introduction of an accredited "Border studies" course at the University of Prešov 3) Networking: creation of a network of institutions that deal with migration and border issues 4) Investment: increasing public awareness of the border crossings, migration, and cross-border cooperation in the SK-UA border areas, including through the installation of directional signs and purchasing equipment for the maintenance of a land area of border village Vyšné Nemecké. The aim in the future is to extend this study program to other universities in the region. The project has facilitated extensive research on the border regime and at the border region. By its scope, and by its comprehensive focus, the research team managed to collect and to process unique data. In addition, important outreach of the project is a transfer of know-how to Ukrainian partners. On Ukrainian side two partner institutions took an active part in the research what helped to develop their respective capacities and to implement similar projects in Ukraine. In a sum, 2 main research publications and 10 policy papers were elaborated and published within the project, 4 international conferences and 12 workshops and training courses were organized and attended by 660 participants, 1 university study course has been developed and launched into operation, including 1 text-book and 6 working books for university students. Finally, network of research and education organizations dealing with migration and border studies in the SK/UA border region has been established.
Summary of bilateral results
One of the most important achievements of the project is the establishment of a cooperative partnership of SK/UA institutions with Norwegian partner – the Faculty of Finnmark, University of Tromsoe – Campus Kirkenes. The Norwegian partner provided background materials for the “Border studies” course at the University of Prešov and, in addition, it contributed to project research. In April 2017, the Norwegian partner organized a special workshop in Kirkenes (and on the Norwegian-Russian border) for Slovak and Ukrainian customs officers and migration experts. Norwegian experts have contributed professionally to the project publications elaborating on experience from the NO-RU border and drafted 2 policy papers. The project helped to establish mutually beneficial research and academic cooperation of the Norwegian partner with Slovak and Ukrainian institutions that can serve as a platform for a follow-up cooperation in the future. The Norwegian partner contributed to project research by sharing its expertise on CBC and migration policy. Norwegian partner provided background materials for the “Border studies” course launched at the University of Presov. Norwegian experts took active part in professional events organized within the project. In addition, Norwegian partner organized a special workshop in Kirkenes. Norwegian experts contributed to elaboration as well as dissemination of project publications. They produced 2 policy papers focused on sharing Norwegian CBC experience with Slovakia and Ukraine. (Bi-)Trilateral partnership contributed to the project in terms of strengthening know-how exchange, scientific and academic cooperation and project results that lead to innovations in SK-UA CBC, esp. related to Schengen border management. Inclusion of Norwegian experts into project events held in Slovakia and Ukraine increased the expert quality of the events, but also their visibility and attractiveness for the target groups.