Joint training of customs officials in the European Union

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to present a solution, currently operating as a group of experts, with the mission to support the activities of customs professionals at the EU’s eastern and south-eastern external land borders. The experts group provide support in the areas of risk management, customs controls, equipment and procurement, training on different topics, performance measurement and evaluation, and cooperation with other border services. The relevance of the expert group is further enhanced by the fact that it is occasionally mentioned in publications analysing the reform package of the Customs Union.
Methodology: In addition to the analysis of the relevant literature, the secondary research has examined EU documents related to the creation of the expert group or its activities during the project periods. The comparative analysis included other organisations providing training in the field of law enforcement whose activities are in many cases similar, for example in terms of the subjects of training or the countries involved.
Findings: The research has shown that there are several organisations in the field of law enforcement training which, although they have similarities, also have differences in terms of the subjects covered, the professions involved and the countries in which they operate. It is rather the cooperation and joint thinking between the different organisations that leads to results.
Value: The value of the research lies in the customs approach, which is evident throughout the study, the gap filling nature of the article and the comparison with other organisations involved in law enforcement training.