Beyond the Border Management Programme for Central Asia (BOMCA)

Abstract:

Since 2003, the EU has been exporting border management assistance to the Central Asian Republics via the Border management Programme for Central Asia (BOMCA), which has sought to train border guards, provide key technology and infrastructure at border crossings, and prod states in managing their borders jointly. BOMCA is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme through a network of five in-country teams wholly dedicated to BOMCA. While the programme’s continued presence in all Central Asian states is itself a success and measures well in comparison to initiatives in the EU’s Central Asia Strategy for a New Partnership, 2007-2013, this policy brief assesses BOMCA’s mission and achievements so far and provides recommendations designed to bolster the EU’s impact on border management assistance.