In 2019, the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) took a significant step by establishing the Interagency Regional Analytical Group (IRAG) with a mission to mentor and foster inter-agency collaboration in regularly assessing risks and threats in the Odesa region, with a particular focus on Transnistria and the Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny Ports. Comprising representatives from regional branches of key Ukrainian agencies, including the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service, Ukrainian State Customs Service, Special Service of Ukraine, and the National Police, IRAG was instrumental in developing analytical reviews and threat assessments. These efforts were aimed at enhancing border security, combating cross-border crime, and promoting regional cooperation.

Considering the evolving dynamics and challenges posed by the current regional circumstances, EUBAM recognized the need to reactivate and bolster the IRAG. Following productive discussions with IRAG members, EUBAM convened a meeting on September 29th, hosted at the EUBAM Headquarters in Odesa. The meeting’s primary focus was to chart a path for the revival of the Interagency Analytical Group. Participants engaged in constructive dialogues to identify strategies and mechanisms that would strengthen the group’s functionality and effectiveness. Notably, representatives from the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine were invited to attend the meeting as observers, with the potential to become permanent members of the group.

The discussions centered around resuming IRAG activities and included the mode, scope, and objectives for the group’s future work. It was agreed that by the end of October, the group members would prepare and share a comprehensive risk analysis of current threats within their respective areas of responsibility.

This initiative underscores EUBAM’s unwavering commitment to promoting regional security, cooperation, and stability through collaborative efforts that adapt to the evolving security landscape.