Project Overview
BORDERLINK seeks to overcome interoperability challenges in European customs and border control operations.
Focusing on:
Creating new reference databases for customs risk assessment, material identification, interoperability of customs equipment and training purposes, across a broad range of threats and illicit products
Increasing standardization and harmonization across European customs, including multi-vendor and multi-agency contexts, while supporting ambitions for ´European customs to act as one´ in the future
Improving collaborative tools and systems for enhancing interoperability of data and equipment within European customs
Advancing Green Customs practices, covering circularity for seized materials, detection and identification of environmentally sensitive goods, and improvements in customs officer knowledge and skills
Expected Outcomes
More efficient and quicker availability, for EU customs practitioners, of reference data (such as spectra) on threats and dangerous and/or illicit materials
Increased interoperability of existing (and foreseeable upcoming) customs control equipment at tactical level, multi-supplier, multi-authority and cross-border
Building capabilities for a more harmonized European application of customs controls based on risk management and trade facilitation.
Expected Impacts
Legitimate passengers and shipments travel more easily into the EU, while illicit trades, trafficking, piracy, terrorist and other criminal acts are prevented, due to improved air, land and sea border management and maritime security including better knowledge on social factors.
Improved security (as well as better cost- and energy-efficient management) of EU land and air borders, as well as sea borders and maritime environment, infrastructures and activities, against accidents, natural disasters and security challenges such as illegal trafficking, piracy and potential terrorist attacks, cyber and hybrid threats.
Improved customs and supply chain security though better prevention, detection, deterrence and fight of illegal activities involving flows of goods across EU external border crossing points and through the supply chain, minimizing disruption to trade flows.