First Donor Conference for Ukraine’s IBM Strategy Held in Kyiv
December 08, 2025
Integrated Border Management is emerging as a central pillar of Ukraine’s internal security and its advance towards the European Union. With support from European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine and the EU Delegation to Ukraine as well as other international partners like Frontex and the International Organization for Migration, Ukrainian authorities have developed a new Integrated State Border Management Strategy and Action Plan designed to bring the country’s border management system closer to European standards.
On 4 December, Kyiv hosted the first partner conference dedicated to these reforms, organised jointly by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS) and EUAM Ukraine. The event brought together Ukrainian IBM actors and international partners to present the strategic goals and activities outlined in the Action Plan for 2026–2028 and to seek support for priority measures.
“We thank all participants for their work and dedication in developing a forward-looking strategy and action plan during a time of full-scale war,” said EUAM Head of Mission Rolf Holmboe, emphasising the commitment of all of Ukraine’s IBM actors. He noted that the new documents mark an important step towards improving border security, strengthening internal security, facilitating travel and trade, and helping Ukraine move closer to meeting the requirements of the Schengen acquis, to support Ukraine in the EU accession process, and to enable effective medium- to long-term planning.
The Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Serhii Deineko, noted that meetings like this show that Ukraine, Europe and the free world are moving towards a shared and secure future. He stressed that integrated border management requires strong cooperation with national and international partners, and thanked them for their continued readiness to support Ukraine in strengthening its border-management capacities.
Representing the Government Office for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Director General Oleksandr Ilkov emphasised that European IBM standards are a key element of Ukraine’s rule of law roadmap and an essential part of its European future.
During the conference, Ukrainian agencies, including the SBGS, the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories, the State Migration Service, the State Customs Service, and the National Police, presented their project proposals to partners. The Strategy defines 15 priority objectives, including the introduction of advanced technologies and equipment and the use of European expert support needed to embed European principles of Integrated Border Management in Ukraine.
All consolidated materials from the conference will be published on a communication platform created by the SBGS, which will also enable donors to submit their proposals.
The donor conference follows extensive preparatory work. In December 2024, EUAM facilitated an Inter-Ministerial Working Group on IBM, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, which established a Temporary Working Group responsible for analysing Ukraine’s border management system and preparing the new strategic framework. Based on a capability assessment and EU accession requirements, the group drafted the new ISBM Strategy and the Action Plan for 2026–2028, covering priorities, timelines and funding needs.
The strategy is now in the final Governmental approval process. After review by the National Security and Defence Council, it will be submitted to the Office of the President for signature, while the Action Plan will go to the Cabinet of Ministers for endorsement.
The event also set the stage for continued work within the Law Enforcement Sub-Working Group on border and migration. This group will follow up on the priorities presented at the conference, review technical and operational requirements and coordinate next steps among Ukrainian authorities and international partners.
