Joining for Safer Borders Reference Number: BGTR0100002 Project Name: Increasing Capacity and Improving Cooperation of Law Enforcement Authoritis on the Territories of Burgas, Haskovo and Yambol Districts, Edirne and Kırklareli Provinces in the Field of Migration Project Acronym: Joining for Safer Borders Program: Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria-Türkiye Programme Duration: 34 months Programme Priority: More Secure Cross Border Region Specific Objective: ISO7.2: Migration and Mobility Management Project Budget: Total Budget: 1.730.647,00 € Amount of EU Co-financing: 1.471.049,93 € Allocation of Governorship of Edirne: 651.692,74 € Financing Model: The project is implemented with 85% funding from the IPA III CBC / Interreg Programme and 15% national co-financing. Project's Overall Objective The overall objective of the project is to strengthen the capacity of the national migration systems in the cross-border area by improving the functional and operational abilities of the law enforcement authorities to respond to the specific security and humanitarian 1 challenges related to illegal migration through a collaborative and a solidarity-based approach. The project will contribute to the achievement of the Interreg Specific objective 2 “A safer and more secure Europe” (ISO2).. Specific Objectives: To enhance the knowledge and competencies of law enforcement authorities on both sides of the border, enabling them to perform their roles within national migration management systems more effectively. To strengthen the existing operational capacity in the cross-border region for managing irregular migration and responding to migration-related crises. To improve the capacities of law enforcement authorities to coordinate, conduct joint interventions, exchange experiences, and develop a common operational approach in combating irregular migration. Common Challenges: The project is based on common challenges in the Bulgaria–Türkiye cross-border region, including increasing pressure from irregular migration, the diversification of crimes related to migrant smuggling, and the growing number of irregular migration cases detected in inland areas. The Bulgaria–Türkiye border is located on the Eastern Mediterranean migration route and creates significant pressure in terms of security and humanitarian response, both at the border line and in inland regions. Burgas, Haskovo, Yambol, Edirne, and Kırklareli are among the areas exposed to risks related to irregular migration movements, migrant smuggling, transportation and accommodation of migrants, violence, robbery, and organized criminal activities. This situation requires not only national-level efforts but also close cooperation between the competent authorities on both sides of the border. It necessitates joint action, information exchange, strengthening of technical capacities, and the development of coordinated intervention mechanisms. Project Partners: • Leader Partner: Burgas Regional Directorate of Ministry of Interior 2 Proje Partners: • Haskovo Regional Directorate of Ministry of Interior • Yambol Regional Directorate of Ministry of Interior • Governorship of Edirne • Governorship of Kırklareli Main Activities: The project is implemented through three main work packages. 1. Training Activities to Enhance the Operational Capacity of Law Enforcement Structures This work package aims to strengthen the knowledge and skills of law enforcement authorities on both sides of the border in the field of combating irregular migration. The main activities include: • Organising joint training sessions on European Union migration legislation, EU migration and asylum policies, as well as the institutional framework and national policies of Türkiye and Bulgaria. • Providing training for law enforcement units in Edirne and Kırklareli on crisis management, effective communication, stress management, communication with vulnerable groups, and a humanitarian approach to migration-related crises. • Organising English and Bulgarian language courses for law enforcement personnel serving in Edirne and Kırklareli to facilitate cross-border communication and cooperation. 2. Strengthening the Operational Capacity of Law Enforcement Structures in the Cross- Border Region This work package foresees the procurement of technical equipment and vehicles to be used by law enforcement authorities in their daily operations and in responding to irregular migration- related crises. The main activities include: • Procurement of minibuses and specialised high-mobility vehicles for the Regional Directorates of the Ministry of Interior in Burgas, Haskovo, and Yambol. • Provision of vehicles, cameras, photographic equipment, forged document inspection devices, and office equipment to address the needs of border crossing points, the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, Police, and Gendarmerie units in Edirne. • Installation of licence plate recognition and traffic monitoring systems along the Kapıkule and Hamzabeyli corridors in Edirne. 3