EUAM and Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service Discuss Stronger Border Security and European Integration
November 09, 2026
As Ukraine continues to defend its borders against Russian aggression, strengthening border security and moving closer to European standards remains a shared priority for Ukraine and the EU. This was at the heart of a meeting between the Head of the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine, Cornelia Taylor, and the Acting Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS), Major General Vadym Chenchyk, held in Kyiv on 5 November.
During their first official meeting, the two sides discussed wartime challenges facing Ukrainian border guards, the restoration of border infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks, and priorities for continued cooperation, including in the context of the ongoing strategic review of EUAM’s mandate.
Protecting borders while keeping them functioning
Russian attacks on border-crossing points have created additional risks for border personnel, travellers and the movement of goods. Maintaining safe and operational crossings is therefore essential, both for Ukraine’s security and its connections with neighbouring countries.
EUAM has been working with Ukrainian border authorities to identify practical ways to reduce these risks, improve coordination and adapt border-control procedures to changing security conditions.
“Ukraine’s border guards are working under extraordinary pressure, protecting the country’s borders while ensuring that people and goods can continue to move safely. Our partnership is about helping them meet these immediate challenges while building a border management system that is resilient, effective and aligned with European standards,” said Cornelia Taylor, Head of EUAM Ukraine. “Stronger institutions and closer cooperation with European partners are essential both for Ukraine’s security today and its European future.”
Turning European standards into practical improvements
Beyond immediate security needs, the meeting focused on reforms that will shape Ukraine’s border management system in the years ahead.
A key priority is Ukraine’s Integrated State Border Management Strategy and its Action Plan, developed with EUAM’s advisory support. The Mission, in close cooperation with the EU Delegation, is also helping Ukrainian authorities prepare for closer alignment with the Schengen framework, including through the development of a National Schengen Governance System.
In practical terms, this means improving how border authorities cooperate, exchange information, assess risks and conduct checks. EUAM is also supporting efforts to introduce modern technologies and more efficient procedures at border-crossing points, making checks more effective while facilitating legitimate travel and trade.
The Mission’s long-standing partnership with the SBGS includes professional training, strengthening analytical capabilities and sharing European expertise. One recent example is EUAM’s support for the establishment of the SBGS Border Checks Training Centre in Lviv region.
Maritime security was another important topic. EUAM continues to support the establishment of a Joint Maritime Security Centre, which will improve information sharing and coordination between Ukrainian authorities responsible for maritime safety and security, particularly in the Black Sea.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of the partnership between EUAM and the SBGS. As the Mission reviews its future priorities, continued cooperation will focus on helping Ukrainian border authorities respond to wartime challenges while advancing reforms that bring Ukraine closer to the European security framework.
