Cross-agency information exchange and international cooperation framework in the context of EU integrated border crossing security management

The European Integrated Border Management (IBM) Strategy addresses the aspect of the “four-tier access control model” in order to develop and implement IBM at national and European Union (EU) level: (i) measures undertaken with third countries or service providers; (ii) cooperation with neighboring countries; (iii) border control and counter-smuggling measures and (iv) control measures within the area of free movement. Within this challenging objective lies the need for a well defined framework and technical platform supporting cross-agency and cross-country collaboration and information exchange. In this paper we present research results in the context of an innovative risk-based border management paradigm shift and exchange of information related to risks and alerts perceived and reported across all involved stakeholders (Border Guards, Custom Authorities and Border Control Point (BCP) Operators), both within EU Member States and Schengen area, as well as collaboration with third countries. The presented framework includes an integrated platform implementation demonstrated in a relevant operational environment of air, land and sea BCP.