- Thematic Component: 1. Institutional Development of Border Control Agencies
- Country: Tajikistan
From December 14 till 16 2021, BOMCA 10 held a National Training of Trainers on Document Security in Tajikistan, aligned with the European Union's best practices, and in cooperation with Frontex. The training course addressed officers responsible for border checks and experienced in the best practices of document verification, who will consequently train their colleagues.
Training on European standards for Kyrgyzstan’s K-9 Units
- Thematic Component: 2. Improvement of Detection Capacities
- Country: Kyrgyzstan
On December 14-16, 2021, in Bishkek, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia held a national workshop for the heads and experts of K-9 centers in Kyrgyzstan. The workshop aimed at training K-9 units in detecting different types of smuggled goods as well as to show European good practices focusing on detection of arms, explosives, ammunition, drugs, precursors and currency during their deployment.
Cross-border cooperation: best practices and outlook for Central Asia
- Thematic Component: 4. Improvement of Cross-Border Cooperation
- Country: All region, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
On December 9-10, 2021б the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) held a regional kick-off meeting on cross-border cooperation: best practices and outlook for Central Asia. The meeting aimed at raising awareness of the state beneficiaries on the cross-border cooperation schemes and benefits of such cooperation in particular areas.
Official Kick-Off of the 10th Phase of BOMCA Programme
- Thematic Component: General
- Country: All region, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
On December 7, 2021, the 10th phase of the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) was officially launched at the project Opening Conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. During the event, the goals and objectives of the Programme and plans for its implementation in all five countries of the region were presented to the participants. "BOMCA very well represents the spirit of the EU-Central Asia cooperation, which aims to facilitate regional integration. The European Union considers that regional cooperation and integration offer the best tools for addressing common challenges, and are instrumental in ensuring security and stability", - noted Ms. Terhi Hakala, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, in her welcoming speech.
First meeting of the BOMCA 10 Regional Steering Group
- Thematic Component: General
- Country: All region, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
On December 6, 2021, the 1st meeting of the Regional Steering Group of the 10th phase of the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) was held, attended by representatives of the project beneficiaries from the Central Asian countries, component leaders and partners from the EU member states. The meeting aimed at informing about milestones of Programme’s planning, implementation, and monitoring. It further served a platform for providing updates on project implementation, main findings of the assessment missions, presentation of the inception report and endorsement of work plan for the 1st year of implementation (2021 - 2022). The Steering Group has an important and crucial role at national and regional levels, as its members oversee and provide strategic guidance to the overall project implementation.
Training of trainers on identification and profiling techniques in Tajikistan
- Thematic Component: 2. Improvement of Detection Capacities
- Country: Tajikistan
From November 30 till December 3 2021, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) held a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) course on identification and profiling techniques. The course was aimed at training of national experts from the Border Guards, Ministries of Interior, Transport Police, and National Security Committees on identification and profiling techniques. Subsequently, these trainers will continue to transfer this knowledge within their respective national agencies.
Training on European standards for Uzbekistan’s K-9 Units
- Thematic Component: 2. Improvement of Detection Capacities
- Country: Uzbekistan
On November 30 – December 2, 2021, in Tashkent, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) held a National workshop for the Heads of K-9 Centers, experts responsible for the organisation of work of K-9 service and respective units, including training processes and methodological support. The workshop aimed at improving skills of employees and specialized organizations in detecting various types of smuggled goods, as well as to learn about the EU best practices in training and organizing the work of canine teams with a focus on the detection of weapons, explosives, ammunition, drugs, precursors and currency
Technical assistance on analysis of the current customs legislation in transit
- Thematic Component: 3. Facilitation of Trade
- Country: Kazakhstan
The Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) provided technical assistance to an analysis of the country’s customs legislation in transit areas during a meeting held from November 24-26, 2021. The meeting gathered experts from EU member states and Kazakh authorities on the development of a national transit declaration/control system. This event was designed to help the Kazakh customs administration to review its existing national transit systems, apply the Transport Internationaux Routier (TIR) Convention, and identify gaps in legislation. It will also analyze relevant administrative instructions on transit regimes and develop recommendations for further improvement.
Executive Vice President of the European Commission introduced to BOMCA activities in Kyrgyzstan
- Thematic Component: General
- Country: Kyrgyzstan
On November 4, 2021, the Executive Vice President of the European Commission and European Commissioner for Trade H. E. Valdis Dombrovskis met with the Regional Manager of the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) Maris Domins during his official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, and visited the Customs Training Center of the State Customs Service for the Kyrgyz Republic.