EU Training Strengthens Libyan Border Management with Inter-Agency Cooperation

An EU-funded initiative aimed at bolstering Libya’s integrated border management (IBM) has successfully concluded with a series of advanced training and practical mentoring sessions. Organized by the EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya) and supported by Italian authorities, the program brought together Libyan border experts from various agencies for specialized training in document security and practical border controls.

The training took place at the Italian State Police Academy in Cesena, where participants received instruction on document production, security features, electronic documents, biometrics, and the identification of fraudulent documents. The program also included hands-on exercises to enhance technical and frontline detection skills. The knowledge gained was then applied at Ancona International Port, where participants observed live controls conducted by the Italian Maritime Border Police and the Italian Customs Agency.

Mr. Sandro Tommasi, a senior Italian police officer and Senior Border Advisor at EUBAM Libya, highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation. He noted that combining document verification, information-sharing, and risk-based controls can significantly strengthen border-management systems. The initiative demonstrated how different authorities and areas of expertise can work together effectively.

EUBAM Libya, established in 2013, focuses on providing technical advice, specialized training, and expertise exchange to strengthen integrated border management in Libya. This recent initiative underscores the mission’s commitment to enhancing cooperation among Libyan authorities involved in border security.