On 6 November, EUBAM in Odesa headquarters welcomed members of the Interagency Regional Analytical Group (IRAG) for a productive meeting focused on reviewing and advancing the 2024 IRAG Work Plan. Representatives from Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, together with EUAM experts, gathered to discuss the current challenges facing law enforcement in the Odesa region, particularly given the heightened security environment due to ongoing war conditions.

The meeting agenda included a detailed assessment of the progress on 2024 objectives and an open discussion on key regional threats. Customs and Border Guard Service representatives presented proposals for IRAG’s 2025 activities, alongside ideas for strengthening inter-agency collaboration within the group in the coming year. The participants discussed the criminalization of smuggling, the specifics of the investigation of this type of crime, as well as international practices of countering the illegal import of both excise goods and other products. In addition, the members of the Group submitted their proposals for further cooperation in combating smuggling in the Odesa region. These suggestions will be further refined, with final decisions to be made at the next IRAG meeting.

The meeting underscored EUBAM’s commitment to fostering a cooperative and resilient law enforcement environment in Ukraine, emphasizing the strategic importance of unified efforts in safeguarding the region’s stability.