Today Central Asian countries are challenged by cross-border crimes, as irregular migration and trafficking in persons, terrorism, drugs, smuggling, etc. and combating these infractions is one of the main tasks of the governments, which requires an integrated (comprehensive) approach. The Integrated Border Management (IBM) Strategy identifies risks and threats, agencies and their role in combating cross-border crime, and areas of development for agencies to successfully address existing challenges.

From 11 to 14 December, Astana hosted national workshop on the development of IBM Strategy and its implementation plan with a participation of management of line institutions as border control, criminal intelligence and investigation, analytical units, customs authorities organized in the framework of EU-funded BOMCA 10 programme. During the workshop the participants familiarised with the advantages of an integrated approach to border security and developed recommendations on the strategy framework and key elements, including its implementation plan.

The expert team represented by BOMCA 10 Consortium members, European Commission and FRONTEX introduced the general principles of border security and EU IBM principles, as they facilitated discussions on the risks and threats in Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries.