"As often the case, there are disagreements, conflicts, and fears among neighbours, especially regarding smuggling of goods and persons, relations with Russia and corruption. At the same time, Slovakia and Ukraine enjoy bilateral relations without scandals and mistrust. These relationships are very close to the state of strategic partnership. Despite the 97 km long common border, Slovakia and Ukraine are good neighbours and trusted friends." (International Center for Political Studies, Kiev).

In order to maintain these positive relations, the creation of contact points for joint training and cooperation is essential, involving competent authorities, local communities, and experts from both sides of the border. The issue will not only be relevant to the project itself, but the aim is to create new partnerships and continue cooperation efforts.

 

Good border cooperation and governance will be essential in the event of Ukraine's possible future accession to the EU. Therefore, this project will support Ukraine's continuous efforts for its future entry into the EU.

The overall goal of the SIBSU project is primarily to ensure the exchange of best practices between the border police and the customs administration of the Slovak Republic and Ukraine and also to identify opportunities to improve integrated border management. The project also aims to increase public awareness and understanding of the work of border forces in border regions and municipalities in Slovakia and Ukraine. Further, it aims to transfer knowledge about the impact of borders on the socio-economic development of border regions, as well as about opportunities for cross-border cooperation between local and regional policy and decision makers on both sides of the border.