ANNEX 1
EXTERNAL BORDERS FUND MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME (2007 – 2013)
MEMBER STATE: Czech Republic (CR)
FUND: External Borders Fund (EBF)
RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY: Asylum and Migration Policy Department of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic (AMPD MOI CR)
YEARS CONCERNED: 2007 - 2013
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. SITUATION IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC ...... 3 1.1 The national situation and the migratory flows affecting it ...... 3 1.2 The measures undertaken by the Czech Republic so far...... 28 1.3 The total national resources allocated ...... 34 2. ANALYSIS OF REQUIREMENTS IN CZECH REPUBLIC ...... 36 2.1 The requirements in the Czech Republic in relation to the baseline situation ...... 36 2.2 The operational objectives of the Czech Republic designed to meet its requirements 45 3. STRATEGY TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVES ...... 48 3.1 Priority 1...... 48 3.2 Priority 3...... 49 3.3 Priority 4...... 50 3.4 Priority 5...... 53 Odstraněno: 53 4. COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER INSTRUMENTS...... 55 Vloženo: 53 4.1 Border control...... 55 Odstraněno: 52 4.2 Visa policy and consular cooperation ...... 56 Odstraněno: 56 4.3 Training of workers...... 56 Vloženo: 56 4.4 Overview of activities in the CR funded under PHARE/Transition facility...... 56 Odstraněno: 4.5 Coordination and complementarity...... 57 55 5. FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY...... 58 Odstraněno: 58 5.1 Publication of the programme ...... 58 Vloženo: 58 5.2 The approach chosen to implement the principle of partnership...... 58 Odstraněno: 57 6. INDICATIVE FINANCING PLAN...... 59 Odstraněno: 58 6.1 Community Contribution ...... 59 Vloženo: 58 6.2 Overall financing plan...... 60 Odstraněno: 57 7. ABBREVIATIONS ...... 62
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1. SITUATION IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
1.1 The national situation and the migratory flows affecting it 1.1.1 Preparation of the Czech Republic for the accession to Schengen area The Czech Republic submitted an official application for accession to the EU in January 1996. The accession process was concluded on 1 May 2004, with the Czech Republic becoming the Member State of the EU. The Czech Republic has been preparing systematically for full participation in the Schengen cooperation since 1998, when the inter-ministerial Working Party on Schengen Cooperation was established. The preparation followed the Schengen Action Plan of which the last updated version was approved by the Czech government in February 2007. Subsequently the Czech government approved the National Plan for Integrated Border management of the Czech Republic , which was an updated version of a strategic document approved in June 2006. The document defined measures based on four tiers border security model to be taken before and after the abolition of border checks at internal borders. In 2007 preparation of the Czech Republic for full participation in Schengen cooperation entered its final stage since on 5 December 2006 the Council of the EU approved the abolition of checks at internal borders as of 31 December 2007, and at the air borders not later than by the end of March 2008. At the same time the JHA Council approved the SISone4all project thus opening the option to connect new Member States to the Schengen Information System.
1.1.2 Area of border control The Czech Republic (CR) is a landlocked Central European State which borders with four EU Member States. The length of common borders is as follows: Germany 810 km, Poland 762 km, Slovakia 252 km, and Austria 466 km. These borders have become “internal borders” as of 21 December 2007. The CR has air borders at 17 international airports where flights are operated from/to countries outside the Schengen area. At present border control is carried out by the Alien Police Service of the Czech Police pursuant to Act No 216/2002 Coll. on Protection of the State Borders and Act No 326/1999 Coll. on Aliens stay and other regulations. The Alien Police Service is a linearly managed unit with national jurisdiction, now focusing on border control at air borders and activities in the territory. In the period before 21 December 2007 technical resources preventing illegal crossing of borders were in place on cross-border routes. Checks of persons entering and leaving the territory of the CR and other tasks associated with the activity of the Czech Police were performed at land border crossings. Annually about 200 million foreign nationals were cleared at CR border crossing points. CR border control bodies have recorded a number of attempts at illegal entry and residence in the territory. As of 21 December 2007 the only external borders in the Czech Republic are the international airports that operate non-Schengen flights. Below attached graphs and tables show various statistics from 2003 until mid-2007.
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Table 1: Illegal migration in the CR
Nelegální migrace p řes státní hranice z toho rok celkem pozemní tj % vzdušná tj % 2003 13 206 13 053 98,8 153 1,2 2004 10 695 10 435 97,6 260 2,4 2005 5 689 5 059 88,9 630 11,1 2006 4 371 3 827 87,6 544 12,4 1. pol. 2007 1 827 1 623 88,8 204 11,2
From Table 1 and Charts 1 and 2 below a progressive fall is evident in the total number of persons crossing the CR borders illegally, with a simultaneous fall in illegal migration across land borders. In comparison, the development of illegal migration across air borders reached its highest point of the 2003-07 period in 2005, with a progressive drop in the following years 2006-07.
Chart 1
nelegální migrace na hranicích ČR 14 000 12 000 10 000 8 000
et osob et 6 000 č
po 4 000 2 000 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 1. pol. rok 2007
celkem pozemní hranice letišt ě
[Key Illegal migration at CR borders Number of persons 1st half of 2007 Year Total Land borders Airports]
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Chart 2
nelegální migrace na vzdušné hranici ČR
700 600 500 400
et osob et 300 č
po 200 100 0 rok 2003 2004 2005 2006 1. pol. 2007
[Key Illegal migration at CR air borders Number of persons Year 1st half of 2007]
From Table 1 and Chart 3 below a significant growth in the share of illegal migration across the air border is apparent, from 2.4 % in 2004 to 11.1 % in 2005.
Chart 3
nelegální migrace p řes vzdušnou hranici ČR
14,0
12,0
10,0
8,0
6,0 podíl% v 4,0
2,0
0,0 2003 2004 2005 2006 1. pol. 2007 rok
[Key Illegal migration across CR air border Share in % 1st half of 2007 Year]
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Table 2
Nelegální migrace p řes státní hranice z toho pozemní vzdušná rok celkem do ČR z ČR celkem do ČR z ČR celkem do ČR z ČR 2003 13 206 3 800 9 406 13 053 3 700 9 353 153 100 53 2004 10 695 2 752 7 943 10 435 2 582 7 853 260 170 90 2005 5 689 2 130 3 559 5 059 1 706 3 353 630 424 206 2006 4 371 1 621 2 750 3 827 1 271 2 556 544 350 194 1. pol. 2007 1 827 743 1 084 1 623 611 1 012 204 132 72
[Key Illegal migration across State borders Of which Land Air Year Total To CR From CR Total To CR From CR Total To CR From CR 1st half of 2007]
Chart 4
nelegální migrace p řes vzdušné hranice ČR 700 600 500 400
etosob 300 č
po 200 100 0 rok 2003 2004 2005 2006 1. pol. 2007 celkem do ČR z ČR
[Key Illegal migration across CR air borders Number of persons Year 1st half of 2007 Total To CR From CR]
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Chart 5
nelegální migrace p řes vzdušné hranice ČR
450 400 350 300 250
etosob 200 č 150 po 100 50 0 rok 2003 2004 2005 2006 1. pol. do ČR z ČR 2007
[Key Illegal migration across CR air borders Number of persons Year 1st half of 2007 To CR From CR]
Chart 6
nelegální migrace p řes státní hranice ČR
10 000 9 000 8 000 7 000 6 000 5 000 et osob
č 4 000
po 3 000 2 000 1 000 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 1. pol. rok do ČR z ČR 2007
[Key Illegal migration across State borders Number of persons 1st half of 2007 To CR From CR]
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Table 3: Cleared persons at CR border crossings
Odbavené osoby na hrani čních p řechodech ČR z toho z toho
rokcelkem odbaveno vstup výstup vzdušná hranice vstup výstup 2003 259 828 445 130 135 077 129 693 368 10 302 455 5 125 734 5 176 721 2004 263 273 792 132 237 283 131 036 509 13 055 491 6 502 233 6 553 258 2005 271 141 431 136 113 889 135 027 542 14 691 695 7 317 552 7 374 143 2006 271 300 158 136 174 505 135 125 653 14 719 344 7 387 519 7 331 825 1.pol.2007 129 218 309 64 626 624 64 591 685 6 211 475 3 083 368 3 128 107 Source: APS
[Key Cleared persons at CR border crossings Of which Of which Year Total cleared Entry Exit Air border Entry Exit 1st half of 2007]
Table 4: Clearance of persons at CR border crossings
Odbavené osoby na hrani čních p řechodech ČR - v milionech
celkem z toho vzdušná rok odbaveno hranice 2003 259,8 10,3 2004 263,3 13,1 2005 271,1 14,7 2006 271,3 14,7 1.pol.2007 129,2 6,2
[Key Cleared persons at CR border crossings - in millions Year Total cleared Of which air border 1st half of 2007]
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Chart 7 Celkem odbaveno osob (p říjezd+odjezd) na hrani čních p řechodech ČR 300,0 259,8 263,3 271,1 271,3 250,0
200,0 129,2 150,0
100,0 et osob milionech v č 50,0 po
0,0 rok 2003 2004 2005 2006 1.pol.2007
[Key Total cleared persons (entry and exit) at CR border crossings Number of people in millions Year 1st half of 2007]
Chart 8
Odbaveno osob na vzdušné hranici (odjezd+p říjezd)
16,0 14,7 13,1 14,7 14,0
12,0 10,3 10,0 8,0 6,2 6,0
etosob milionech v 4,0 č
po 2,0 0,0 2003 2004 2005 2006 1.pol.2007 rok
[Key Cleared persons at air border (entry and exit) Number of people in millions Year 1st half of 2007]
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Table 5: Criminally prosecuted persons
Trestn ě stíhané osoby
rok Celkem osob z toho cizinci tj.% 2003 121 393 6 923 5,70 2004 121 531 7 215 5,94 2005 121 511 6 994 5,76 2006 122 753 7 284 5,93 1.pol.2007 66 736 4 143 6,21 podle údaj ů OS ŘI PP ČR
[Key Criminally prosecuted persons Year Total persons Of which foreign nationals i.e. % 1st half of 2007 according to OS ŘI PP CR data]
Chart 9
Trestn ě stíhaní cizinci na území ČR 8 000 7 284 6 923 7 215 6 994 7 000
6 000
5 000 4 143 4 000 etosob č 3 000 po 2 000
1 000
0 rok 2003 2004 2005 2006 1.pol.2007
[Key Criminally prosecuted foreign nationals in CR Number of persons Year 1st half of 2007]
1.1.3 Migration flows in the Czech Republic, tackling illegal migration and risk assessment
1.1.3.1 Legal migration
The Czech Republic has become a popular travel destination over the past years. At the same time it continuously attracts labour migration (mainly from the East – Slovakia, Ukraine or Asia – Mongolia, Vietnam). A growth in the number of foreign nationals legally residing in
10 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic the Czech Republic, both persons who were granted long-term residence and persons in possession of permanent residence permits (in 2006 an increase of 43,144 foreign nationals whilst in 2007 growth by 70,631 foreign nationals was seen) is evidenced. There are lower numbers of persons detected as illegal migrants both in relation to border checks at the borders or apprehended as illegal residents in the Czech Republic (in 2006 the overall year-to-year decline was 25.8 %; in 2007 the decline was 29.5 %).
1.1.3.2 Illegal migration Illegal migration is an undesirable phenomenon in the so-called EU target countries, but also in the transit countries. Illegal migration is a security risk not only at national level; it is an international, all-society problem. Among other things, illegal migration indirectly affects the attitude of the public to the integration of long-term and legally settled foreign nationals. In comparison with the phenomenon of illegal migration across borders, in the future can be expected a rise in the danger of phenomena associated with the illegal residence of foreign nationals in the CR. Organisation of illegal migration in recent years has been and still is one of the most profitable activities for organised crime. As a result of its geographical position the CR remains, after accession into Schengen area, a suitable transit country for transport of illegal migrants into western and southern Europe or the North America. The attraction of the CR will grow for foreign nationals who will reside here legally, but also for those who will reside in its territory without authorisation, outside the scope of permitted residence, which is often accompanied by an illegal way of making a living among these people. Some facts concerning illegal migration in 2007: - increasing number of persons assisted by smugglers when attempting to illegally cross the border (in 2006 the share of these persons was 15.6 % whereas in 2007 the proportion rose to 16.6 %) - increasing share of persons who were transported across the border hidden in a vehicle (in 2006 the share of such persons accounted for 3.9 % whilst in 2007 it accounted for 4.5 %) - increasing share of persons who used irregular travel documents for illegal migration across the border (in 2006 the share of such persons accounted for 15.5 % whilst in 2007 it accounted for 18.5 %);
1.1.3.3 Migration flows at international airports There are over 70 regular direct flight routes registered form/to the Czech Republic for the year 2008 (and nearly the same number of indirect flight destinations). Besides destinations in Europe, further destinations can be found in third countries (Balkans, Near East or former Soviet Union countries). The number of attempts by third country nationals on entering the territory of the Czech Republic by using falsified documents (or e.g. imposter) is rising. The quantity of passengers dispatched at the airports in the Czech Republic is continuously growing. This applies above all to Prague Ruzyně airport. According to the current needs, a new runway will be built there in the near future. Based on the latter findings, an increasing trend can be observed as regards number of illegal migrants attempting to enter the EU/CR through international airports using flights form
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Russia, Turkey, Cyprus and so on. It can be estimated that there will be over 14 million passengers dispatched at the international airports in the Czech Republic in 2008. Out of these, by estimation, 40 % will be travelling from/to third countries. A higher number of refusals of entry imposed was achieved due to utilization of SIS in the border check procedure. Besides of the migration flows through air routes, it should be noted, that in general terms, the Czech Republic can be affected by illegal migration via “land routes”. This situation is supposed to be addressed with compensatory measures within the territory (police cooperation etc.).
• Tackling illegal migration and risk assessment The Czech Republic finds itself in a new situation resulting from its full integration into Schengen cooperation and from the increasing impact of international migration on security, foreign policy and the social as well as economic situation in the country. An inter-ministerial permanent analytical office focusing on monitoring and analysing migration as a comprehensive and complex phenomenon was a suitable option to address the needs. Findings of the Analytical Centre are to serve as information for adopting long-term, medium- term and also ad hoc measures. The findings enable measures to be taken based on data obtained on the basis of all available information in order to contribute to effective policy of the Czech Republic in the field of migration and border control.
1.1.4 Border control after the accession of the CR into the Schengen area After accession to the Schengen area the CR has external borders only at international airports operating non-Schengen flights. The strategy for preparation of the CR for the abolition of border checks at internal borders is based on implementation of a four-tier border security model. New methods of police work in the model will include the use of modern technologies to eliminate any security risks, international cooperation as well as cooperation with consular offices or liaison officers. Compensatory measures would allow a quick, unified reaction to threats associated, for example, with illegal migration. A basic planning document in the area of border control of the external borders of the EU in the CR is the National Plan for Integrated Border Management of the Czech Republic (hereinafter “National Plan”). The importance of drafting such a document emerges from the Schengen catalogue of recommendations for correct application of the Schengen acquis and best practice for control of external borders, expulsion and readmission (Document 5018/1/02 SCH-EVAL 1 COMIX 4; adopted 8 February 2002). The National Plan is structured according to a four-tier border security model. The last version of the National Plan was approved by the CR government in February 2007 with a view to the expected enlargement of the Schengen area in December 2007. The updated version will be adopted by the government in November 2008. Aside from the five large airports with international public traffic (Praha-Ruzyn ě, Ostrava- Mošnov, Brno-Tu řany, Karlovy Vary, Pardubice) 12 airports with international non-public traffic also have the status of airports with external borders. These airports dispatch non- Schengen flights as well.
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In the context of border control the Alien Police Service will perform border checks and share in protection of airports and by way of mobile patrols - these check the perimeters of airports and monitor airport space by means of camera systems, though not all airports have them.
• Border control at Air borders (international airports) Inspectorates of Alien Police Service are located in the main airports operating non-Schengen flights. The policemen are present in 24/7 regime and non-stop service concerning border control procedures is provided. Border check procedure at the other 12 airports is safeguarded by the Inspectorates of Alien Police Service with territorial competence and is provided upon announcement of the airport operator which is done at least 24 hours prior to the arriving/departing flight. The principle information system used in addition to the Schengen Information System by units of the Alien Police Service is currently the “Alien Information System” (AIS), which is used particularly for control activity and searching for persons at external borders. This information system gives current information on missing persons and things, and personae non grata in the Czech Republic.
The map above shows the international airports in the Czech Republic operating non- Schengen flights (external air borders).
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1.1.4.1 Infrastructure at international airports Airport Praha Ruzyn ě - 44 working stations (WS) for border checks in the first line - 12 WS for arrivals, 13 WS for departures, 12 WS for transit, 7 WS for VIP – flight crew and 4 WS for second line checks. The airport is fully fenced, surveillance of the perimeter is safeguarded by patrols and monitoring system of CCTV. Camera outputs from the indoor premises are available to border guards as well. Airport Brno Tu řany – 9 WS for border checks in the first line - 5 for arrivals, 4 for departures and 2 WS for second line checks. The airport is fully fenced, surveillance of the perimeter is safeguarded by patrols and monitoring system of CCTV which is not reliable and should be modernized. Camera outputs from the indoor premises are available to border guards as well. Airport Ostrava Mošnov – 8 WS for border checks in the first line - 4 for arrivals, 4 for departures and 2 WS for second line checks. The airport is fully fenced, surveillance of the perimeter is safeguarded by patrols and monitoring system of CCTV which should be modernized. Camera outputs from the indoor premises are available to border guards as well. Airport Pardubice - 8 WS for border checks in the first line - 4 for arrivals, 4 for departures and 2 WS for second line checks. The airport is fully fenced, surveillance of the perimeter is safeguarded by patrols. Monitoring system of CCTV is not available should be purchased. Airport Karlovy Vary - 5 WS for border checks in the first line – 2 for arrivals, 3 for departures and 2 WS for second line checks. The airport is fully fenced, surveillance of the perimeter is safeguarded by patrols. Camera outputs from the indoor premises are available to border guards as well. As regards the additional 12 airports with lower passenger traffic, facilities for border check procedure are always provided for the border guard. Some of these airports are fenced and CCTV surveillance is provided. These airports are not accessible 24/7 and are not public.
1.1.4.2 Technical equipment used for border checks at international airports The technical equipment used for border checks at international airports is quite standardized in the Czech Republic. The booths at the first line are equipped with a PC in combination with an optical passport reader, a handheld magnifying glass, a UV lamp, a retro-reflective viewer for 3 M foil control and a Docutest set consisting of several light sources and a magnifying glass. The PC is connected to a network and provides access to the SIS, Alien Information System, a travel document specimen catalogue and to the central website of the Alien Police Service. There is online access to the EVIC 2 system used for the control of granted visas. In the second line the airports are equipped additionally with a videospectral comparator, a stereoscopic microscope with a digital camera, a scanner, a microscope and a EURODAC LSS 3000 terminal. There is access to electronic AFIS and EURODAC. The equipment will have to be gradually replaced with a modern one as it is partially outdated.
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1.1.4.3 Staff of Alien Police Service at international airports
The number of staff of the Alien Police Service at air borders of the Czech Republic
airport Current number Praha Ruzyne 416 Brno-Turany 45 Ostava-Mosnov 45 Karlovy Vary 45 Pardubice 35 TOTAL 586
1.1.5 Launching of IT systems in relation to Schengen cooperation To prepare the accession of the Czech Republic into the Schengen area the number of Information Systems to be used by relevant bodies was widened to include the Schengen Information System and Visa Information System (preparatory phase). These new information systems allow unification of the required information on persons and things significant for ensuring security and protection in the scope of the Schengen area. These are information systems where a significant growth in the volume of data is expected. For this reason it is necessary to ensure adequate technological capacity for data storage and thereby to increase the security of these information systems.
1.1.5.1 SIS The national part of the first generation Schengen Information System (SISone4all, as of 1 September 2007) in the CR is implemented and operated. In parallel since 2006 the project of the second generation Schengen Information System has been implemented. The body responsible for the establishment of N.SIS is the Informatics and Computer Technology Department of the Police Presidium of the Czech Republic. The authorisation of the Police of the Czech Republic to operate information systems, including the N.SIS, arises from the Act on the Police of the Czech Republic (No. 283/1991 Coll., as amended), especially from the provisions of Section 2, par. 1 letter l and Section 42k. The finalisation of the Project SIS II is currently planned according to the preparation and final solution of Central part of SIS II and will be changed accordingly. The finalisation of central part of SIS II was planned on September 2009. The total budget of the Project SIS II at national level is in amount of 8,449,876 EUR (this amount includes some expenditure on SISone4All too). Further investments in SIS II for years 2008-2010 are estimated in amount 3,787,272 EUR. Access to SIS data is provided via 18500 terminals, altogether 970 police users are approved for Create, Update and Delete (CUD). The technical rules and specifications (ICD – Interface Control Document, DTS – Detail Technical Specification and Data Dictionary) stem from the Regulation of the EP and of the Council No. 1987/2006 on the establishment, operation and use of SIS II and Decision of the
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Council No. 2007/533/SVV on the establishment, operation and use of SIS II and they are regularly updated on the part of the European Commission. Member states are obliged to implement those updates into national solutions of SIS II.
1.1.5.2 VIS Schengen cooperation includes the common visa policy of Member States; one of its elements is the issue of a common Schengen visa. The Visa Information System will be an important instrument of the common visa policy. The application of the Schengen acquis in the Czech Republic calls for a fully functional national visa information system. Preparation of the National Visa Information System is in the Czech Republic is devided between MOI and MFA due to division of competencies: 1. VIS-MoFA in competence of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of CR 2. VIS-MOI in competence of Ministry of Interior of CR
Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Ministry for Foreign affairs (authorities responsible for the establishment of N-VIS) launched the preparation for building of NS-VIS in 2005. In September 2006 a contract on providing consultation services and elaboration of security study for the Alien Police Service was signed. In October 2006 a contract on delivery of NS- VIS was signed. The first phase of the project concerning the analyse of current and future state was started in November 2007. With regard to use national part of SISone4all a VIS including VISION adjustments of the source database of the Alien Information System (AIS or CIS) were completed which are to enable, enhance and secure a two-sided communication between systems and to ensure that requirements for data protection are respected. The source database AIS was adjusted by a supplier in compliance with SISone4all and requirements for national part VIS. The national part of Schengen consultation network, VISION office, was put into operation as well. With regard to the decision to connect the Czech Republic to the current Schengen Information System (SIS 1+) through SISone4all consultation system VISION was adjusted in May 2007 so that VISION could communicate with VISION offices of other EU Member States and with SISone4all. The total budget of the Project VIS at national level is in amount of 19,583,33 EUR . MOI part of the budget is in amount of 10,416,666 EUR and MFA part of the budget is in amount of 9.166,666 EUR. At present, application VISION is used for VISION consultation procedure. After VIS is operational, the consultation will fall under this system. As of launching of CS-VIS there will be both, the application VISION in NS-VIS as well as VISmail operational. When the VIS roll out is finished and all DM are connected, the application VISION will be terminated and VISION consultations will be operated under a new and enhanced application. The Czech Republic was connected to VISION consultations as soon as it joined the Schengen area. It is a procedure for issuing Schengen visas when a security screening is made not only by the state issuing the respective visa but, in the case of applicants from certain pre- defined countries, also another Schengen state which requested to do so (a list of countries which are subject to VISON consultations is included in Annex 5B of the Schengen Consular Instruction which is classified as ‘restricted’).
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1.1.5.3 Implementation of VIS in the Czech Republic Duration Duration Timetable of particular phases (National (Connection VIS) to CS-VIS) Phase Ia. Requirement analysis of national system NS-VIS 11/06 – (technical infrastructure, project schedule for phase Ib) Phase Ib. Requirement analysis of national system NS-VIS 11/06-03/07 – (Functional analysis) Functional Analysis of NS-VIS Acceptance 04/07 Phase I. Functional Analysis of central system CS-VIS – 08/08 Phase II. Realization of HW and SW solution components 05/07-07/07 08/08-11/08 Phase III. System Integration 12/08-01/09 08/07-10/08 Phase IV. Pilot 02/09-03/09 11/08-12/08 Phase V. Rollout 04/09-06/09 01/09 Phase VI. Acceptance and Accreditation 07/09 02/09
In connection with the SIS II system implementation schedule and the SISone4all implementation, implementation of national system NS-VIS connection to system SISone4All has been started. The table stated above will be modified later on respecting concluded contract commitments.
Visa policy and consular cooperation
1.1.6 Consular service The consular service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the CR also has an important role in securing protection of state borders. In terms of the National Plan the consular service fulfils tasks in the context of the first tier of external border control. In the first tier the National Plan includes activities performed outside of the territory of the EU/Schengen Area, i.e. in the countries of origin and transit. These activities serve as a direct element for the protection of borders and/or for the prevention of illegal entry by third- country nationals. As a rule, these activities are financially demanding and require a significant preparation of time. This concerns particularly the visa activity. The consular service also fulfils an important information function. The consular service is an integral component of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is made up of the Department for Consular Tasks, the Department for Consular Conceptions and Methodology and consular sections of diplomatic missions and consular offices. Currently the departments have 38 systematised work positions. Internally they are into three working groups which are concerned with the issues connected with the protection of external borders. 1.1.7 MFA Department for Consular Tasks WG Passports and Visas issues diplomatic and service passports and residence permits for personnel of diplomatic missions of foreign countries accredited in the CR. In addition it
17 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic orders visa self-adhesive labels, keeps records of them and sends them to diplomatic missions of the CR abroad (hereinafter “ DM ”). This division also provides visa stamps and forms for the consular agenda and sends them to DM.
1.1.8 MFA Department for Consular Conceptions and Methodology Legal and Conceptual WG drafts internal regulations, including regulations for the visa agenda. WG EU, Schengen and Migration is concerned with EU/Schengen law relating to consular work and ensures its practical application in consular service regulations. Furthermore, it drafts opinions and background material for national and international negotiations on general questions of the migration of people, including the issue of the integration of foreign nationals. It also cooperates with units of the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs concerned with the migration issue. Staff of WG EU, Schengen and Migration also provides training in operating the computer programme for processing visas. 1.1.9 Diplomatic missions of the Czech Republic abroad An important component of the consular service is the consular sections of diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad. According to the internal regulations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs CR (hereinafter “ MoFA CR ”) the Department for Consular Tasks professionally manages both the consular sections of diplomatic missions and professional consular offices. There are a total of 16consulate generals of the Czech Republic in third countries at present. Recently in the scope of restructuring the network of consular representations a decision was made that 4 consulate generals were to be closed by 30 June 2007 (Bonn, Cape Town, Katowice, Milan). A summary of consulate generals is given in the following table.
Table 6: CR Consulates General in third countries State Seat Australia Sydney Brazil Sao Paulo China Hong Kong Shanghai India Mumbai Republic of South Cape Town (closed as of 31.6.2007) Africa Canada Montreal Toronto Russia Yekaterinburg Saint Petersburg United States of Chicago America Los Angeles New York Turkey Istanbul The Ukraine Lvov Doneck In total 16
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Beside the Consulates General , the Czech Republic continues to have a total of 91 diplomatic missions in third countries available. Altogether 106 DM will be connected to VIS (212 end terminals). Altogether there are 263 persons deployed within the visa issuing sections of the diplomatic missions. Out of these, 184 persons fulfil their tasks in third countries (41 diplomats and 143 ATP personnel). Counting both, EU and third country diplomatic missions, there are 71 diplomats and 192 ATP personnel.
1.1.9.1 Granting of visas at diplomatic missions In accordance with Section 12 (1) (h) of Act No 2/1969 Coll. on the establishment of ministries and other central bodies of state administration in the Czech Republic (competence act), the central body of State administration for permitting the residence of foreign nationals is the Ministry of Interior. The issue of granting visas is arranged by Act No 326/1999 Coll. on the residence of foreign nationals in the Czech Republic and amendments to some acts (hereinafter the "aliens act"). The aliens act stipulates separate competence for the visa and residence agendas. That means that the Ministry of Interior CR and MoFA CR share in the application of this act. The DM have competence over handling applications for granting short-stay visas. The DM thus decide on granting of airport transit visas (type A visas), transit visas (type B visas) and short-stay visas (type C visas). Decisions on applications for granting long-stay visa (visa for residence over 90 days – type D visas) is in the competence of immigration police of the CR. The power of DM to decide on short-stay visas is modified by Section 57 (1) of the aliens act. Under this provision the DM is required to request the opinion of the police before granting a visa. A visa cannot be granted if the police reject the request. As already mentioned bodies of the Czech immigration police decide on the granting of long- stay visas. However, under the aliens act applications for long-stay visas are submitted in principle at DM. Following the decision of bodies of the immigration police the DM affix the visa in the travel document of the foreign national. The number of submitted applications and visas granted is evident from the following table and graph.
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Graph 10: Numbers of applications and numbers of visas granted at DM from 2002 to 2006
700 000 600 000 500 000 400 000 300 000 200 000 100 000 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Po čet podaných žádostí 451 503 507 806 490 707 559 293 662 728 Po čet ud ělených víz 428 605 487 175 468 370 537 169 635 891
In 2006 the greatest number of visas awarded or indicated was at diplomatic missions in Moscow, Kiev, the Lvov Consulate General, Petrograd (Saint Petersburg) Consulate General and Taipei Cultural Office.
Table 7
Diplomatic In total Short-stay visa Long-stay visa mission Visa granted indicated Moscow 188 894 184 330 1 840 Kiev 78 035 68 733 3 617 Lvov 61 355 35 177 14 04 4 Saint Petersburg 52 783 51 906 339 Taipei 35 769 35 325 37
In 2006 the largest number of applications for Czech visas were made by Russian nationals (264 923 applications; 261 901 visas granted), those of the Ukraine (147 008 applications; 134 032 visas granted), Taiwan (37 296 applications; 37 186 visas granted), Turkey (30 415 applications; 30 053 visas granted) and Belarus (25 789 applications; 25 389 visas granted).
1.1.9.2 Visa processing computer system
In the CR the existing visa process is handled by the system Modernisation of the Visa Process / Records of Visa Holders (hereinafter “MVP/RVH”), which is made up of information systems of the Ministry of Interior CR, MoFA CR and other processes, secured in the mutual interaction of which is the granting of visas at DM and in the CR. This system was
20 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic created from the second half of the 1990s and practically all DM are incorporated into it (aside from offices wound up and newly established) and 77 district immigration police divisions. The MVP/RVH system ensures the whole process of processing all types of visas from inputting data on the applicant to the given database, communication between the PCR Directorate of Alien Police Service (hereinafter “DAPS”) and MoFA CR, to printing the visa stickers. Communication with the DAPS is based on exchange of individual data batches. The system also automatically processes individual batches and information is then archived. The time of keeping information in the system is stipulated by the aliens act. The process of granting all types of Czech visas issued to foreigners abroad is provided through the MVP/RVH at the current time. Types of visas correspond to the division of Schengen visas. These are: - airport transit visa (type A visa), - transit visa (type B visa), - short-stay visa (type C visa), - long-stay visa (type D visa).
As already stated, even in the case of short-stay visas, about which DM decide within their competence, a positive position from the DAPS is required. In the case of short-stay visas the DAPS carries out a security check of the applicant. This means verification that the applicant is not listed in the records of personae non grata. Records of personae non grata are kept on the basis of the aliens act. Furthermore, in the scope of the MVP/RVH system exit orders and residence permits are issued for personnel of diplomatic missions accredited in the CR at the level of the MoI CR consular department. Currently the volume of the MVP/RVH in the scope of the Visa Archive System is ca. 20 GB of data. This concerns ca. 15 million records. The system has a total of ca. 500 users. Every user has access rights to the visa database of its location (the central MoFA CD or DM CD).
1.1.10 Level of security of DM consular sections At the current time, when the threat of immediate danger and particularly the risk of a possible terrorist act have become a global problem, no host country can be considered as completely safe. Street crime has become a growing problem, particularly in the countries of South America and Africa. To ensure the smooth and safe running of DM it is therefore necessary to create conditions so that the work of not only diplomatic staff is effective and not only in the case of regular everyday operation, when the situation at the DM is stable, but also in the case of escalation of tension as a result of a developing situation.
One of the first contact zones where there is direct contact between inhabitants of another country with staff sent to the DM are the visa offices at consular sections of DM. At these offices, which are in the majority of cases part of the DM premises, the inhabitants of other countries come to apply for entry visas to visit or stay in the CR. Not all of them come with a clear and direct reason of entry into the country. Arising from this is a clear danger emerging from the unforeseen behaviour of such persons in the case of direct contact with DM staff.
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The MoFA thus faces the permanent task of ensuring the smooth running of all DM and protecting staff sent out and, in the case of CD, protecting sensitive documentation and materials against each potential danger and threats to the health or life of staff (see Constitutional Act No 110/1998 Coll. on the security of the Czech Republic).
Consular sections, as a part of DM buildings, are standardly equipped with electronic systems and particularly mechanical defence systems, including certified communication windows and access doors.
Member States striving for full integration into Schengen cooperation have undergone a Schengen evaluation process which has verified their ability to apply the Schengen acquis and achieve necessary Schengen standards. In 2006, as part of this process, there were inter alia control missions to the Czech Embassy in Kiev and Consulate General in St Petersburg. Based on these missions evaluation reports were drafted which are based on the binding rules stipulated by the Schengen catalogue of recommendations – best practice and Common Consular Instructions. Binding tasks concerning activity of DM consular sections emerge from these reports. These tasks have generally binding applicability for all DM.
In the area of security of DM consular sections of the assessment committee stated in its binding recommendations the need to increase the level of security of consular sections. This concerned primarily increasing the security of the rooms of the consular section, checking, replacement or supplementation of existing security elements.
This concerns, for example, installation of camera systems, performance of physical checks of people and higher mechanical weapon safety. These requirements are gradually being fulfilled, whereas resources from the EBF are also usable for these purposes.
Training of staff
1.1.11 Training of consular staff Currently the MoFA CR Consular Department has full responsibility for training consular staff. The process of training is governed by an internal regulation approved by the Consular Department Director (Instruction on training staff in the scope of pre-assignment preparations at the Consular Department ref. 304.559/95-KO/5).
After arrival at the MoFA Consular Department the trained worker is delegated to the given territorial division. The manager of that division subsequently prepares a training plan. Actual training is based chiefly on internships in the territorial division of the Consular Department. The length of this internship depends on the difficulty of the agenda at the DM where the given worker is sent. The principle that training should last at least three months applies. However, in some cases, it is necessary to reduce the length of training in view of the requirements of the DM.
At the DM territorial division the trained worker is acquainted with the running of the division and the whole department. Here he also studies consular regulations and other documentation and handles simple cases and files under the supervision of the division manager.
In addition the worker completes mandatory one-time training at individual professional offices of the Consular Department. This concerns, for example, training in the legalisation,
22 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic registry, visa, passport and fees agendas etc. These one-time training sessions are led by staff who work on the given issue. Part of the training is practical demonstrations of handling individual cases.
In the scope of training at the consular department workers undergo practical training operating the computer visa programme (MVP/RVH) and programme for submitting e- passport applications.
Trained workers also complete one-time training sessions at professional offices of other bodies, as required. This concern is chiefly DAPS, where inter alia there occurs training in detection of forged or altered travel documents. Completion of this training is mandatory. Training also takes place at the State Citizenship and Registry Division of the Department of General Administration of the Ministry of Interior, International Department of the Ministry of Justice etc.
A total of about 20 diplomatic staff and 20 administration and technical staff are trained annually at the MoI consular department.
A principle disadvantage of the existing situation in the area of training is the fact that the main responsibility for training is with the manager of the given territorial division of the Consulate Department who is otherwise fully encumbered with fulfilment of his own work responsibilities. Therefore he does not have the option of really systematically devoting himself to training the worker. To a great extent trained workers acquire the theoretical knowledge by self-study.
A further principle disadvantage of the existing situation is that workers have limited possibilities of acquiring practical skills required for performing work at the DM. Of course they have the possibility of following the work of the Consular Department and everyday activities of its staff; however the character of activity at DM is different. It is therefore necessary for dispatched workers to have greater possibilities of acquiring practical skills in individual agenda, particularly in performance of the visa agenda.
1.1.12 Training of staff of Alien Police Service
As emerges from the National Plan for Integrated Border management of the Czech Republic (Part 4 Activities at the external border – third tier of external protection, point 4.2.1.4. Training) all requirements for training of workers prepared to perform tasks for the protection of the external Schengen borders were implemented into the teaching curricula of the Alien Police Service. The predominant part is included in instruction in basic professional training; other requirements are part of the further professional training of police officers in specialisation or completion courses.
Basic professional training All serving police officers undergo basic professional training (hereinafter BPT). The curricula of BPT, which was enlarged from 12 to 18 months from 1 September 2005, are divided according to the expertise of students.
Alien Police Service officers complete BPT at the Holešov Secondary Police School of the Ministry of Interior, which was specified as the national contact point for the Centre for Border Guard Training (ACT). The Schengen acquis has been fully implemented into Czech
23 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic legislation and internal regulations of the Police of the Czech Republic. The curricula fully secure the preparation of police officers for application of these regulations in practice and, as such, cover the whole spectrum of the Schengen acquis associated with protection of external borders and control of the residence of aliens. The Core Curriculum for border guard training drafted by ACT has been fully implemented into curricula.
Controlled practice lasting six months links to the 12-month school part of BPT, during which there is a development of knowledge, skills and approaches in the form of practical training at the section of professional practice at Holešov Secondary Police School. The further part occurs at basic units where the officers are permanently assigned. The curricula are harmonised with the Schengen acquis in a timescale given by the given curricula. Consecutive training − Holešov MoI Professional College − CEPOL and MEPA specialised courses − FRONTEX specialised courses − EU Training Day at the FRONTEX Agency − language training in the ARGO project − intensive language course of 336 lessons in the selected language in controlled practice − service language courses for APS police at international airports − language preparation in the form of continuing education: language exam MV Level I and II for APPS police − specialised APS courses in Holešov (5-week daily course for managers and representatives of APS basic units) − week and 2-week advanced courses for regular PCR APS officers − training at basic units in the scope of work meetings Professional preparation in the scope of work meetings or police service training is performed regularly at basic units, usually monthly.
In addition specialised professional courses are held for specialists in travel documents, pyrotechnical prevention, dog handling, special weapons and thermo vision equipment. It is necessary to pay greater attention to the professional training of police officers who provide border protection in the first and second line of control and, not least, the level of language knowledge of police officers which currently does not meet the requirements for checking people crossing the state border.
Language training
Part of basic professional training for Alien Police Service is language instruction. Instruction takes place at the Holešov Secondary Police School which, in line with language instruction at secondary schools (a condition of entrance proceedings for all police officers is graduation from secondary education) concerns English and German. Part of further professional training is language instruction carried out at secondary police schools of the Ministry of Interior in Prague (English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, and Italian), Brno (English, German), Pardubice (English, German) and Holešov (English, German).
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On 1 September 2005 a new conception of language training was initiated directed at all ABPS officers with the aim of achieving an exam attested level of language skills for all police officers, especially those performing controls of people at international airports. Special language courses need to be held in the scope of continuing education. Increases of human resources will be completed for all units delegated with border control at international airports to ensure a high level of protection of the external borders of the Schengen Area. Police officers professionally trained and experienced in alien, migration and border issues will be used to the largest possible extent for this purpose. In terms of training of officers of the immigration police service after the entry of the Czech Republic to the Schengen Area, the conception of the current system does not admit fundamental changes. The abolishment of checks at land borders will be reflected in the given parts of the training system, which will be continuously amended with a view to actual development in the area of EU legislation etc. A new conception of language instruction will continue, which will place greater emphasis on news of foreign languages among officers serving at international airports.
1.1.13 Training of liaison officers The Czech Republic is sending liaison officers for working stays abroad based on international treaties, agreements of the Minister of Interior with the competent body of the host country or according to requirements and risk analysis (the institution of liaison officer is currently included in international treaties with Slovakia, Austria, Poland, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria and Switzerland). CR liaison officers are currently active in Bratislava, Moscow, Kiev, Bucharest and Belgrade. Czech liaison officers also operate at Europol, Interpol and the Frontex Agency. In 2006 liaison officers (document advisor) were sent as required to Beijing, Hanoi, Cairo, Minsk, Ulaanbaatar and Lvov. In 2007 destinations were Moscow, Ulaanbaatar, Hanoi, Lvov, Cairo and Algeria. When sent abroad the liaison officer has the temporary rank of security attaché. For activity abroad a liaison officer must fulfil these conditions: completion of a university masters degree; authorisation to view information of a confidential level of secrecy or higher; language skills corresponding to the customs of the host country or requirements of the international organisation; service relations with the police lasting at least five years; the ability for creative, analytical and conceptual work; the ability to make and maintain professional contacts; political, economic and geographical knowledge of the host country; a good state of health; knowledge of the problem of the fight against organised crime and serious criminal acts and the issue of international police cooperation; orientation in the legal code of the Czech Republic; a driving licence for a passenger car and valid licence to drive service vehicles; user’s knowledge of computer technology, text and spreadsheet editors, e- mail, internet and department information systems; completed pre-service training. Other professional and qualification conditions and the field of previous experience are specified by the department of international police cooperation according to the needs of the specific place. The deployment of the liaison officers will be in the future determined half a year in advance and specific destinations will be chosen with regard to the migration flows in the Czech Republic and according to the nationality, which can be described as the most problematic and frequent one in terms of illegal stay etc. The selection of the destination will also be made according to the agreement of MFA, MOI and the Alien Police Service and according to the
25 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic assessment of the Analytical Centre for Border Protection and Migration. Decisions on the period of stay and the staffing will be made in the same way. For this purpose, a database of liaison officers will be created, which will ensure that an officer will be immediately deployed when necessary. These persons will be ready to leave and in this way, their timely deployment will be ensured with regard to a situation that has arisen (a migration wave, etc.). Liaison officers will cooperate with the liaison officers of other EU/Schengen states operating in the same place with a view to creating networks of immigration liaison officers (ILOs). These information networks will be based on formal and informal work meetings. The liaison officer will be performing a broad range of activities in order to prevent illegal migration to the territory of the Czech Republic and Schengen area.
1.1.14 Characteristics of Holešov Secondary Police School
The MoI SPS in Holešov is a school which is part of the network of departmental education of the Ministry of Interior. It was set up on 1.1.1994 for an unspecified period, it is an accounting unit for which the Ministry of Interior performs a trustor function pursuant to Act No 218/2000 Coll. on budgetary rules and amendment to related acts (Budgetary Rules) and Act No 219/2000 Coll. on the property of the Czech Republic and its representation in legal relations and from 12 October 2007 it is a Faculty School of Tomas Bata University in Zlín – Humanities Faculty.
Overview of study fields the school covers:
• secondary education with graduation exam in the study field of security law activity
• police Basic Professional Training (BPT): -18-month - general and transport police service focus - alien police service focus - 9-month - for graduates of 4-year studies in the study field -10-month - combined – for university graduates – alien police service focus - professional practice of 6 months as part of 18-month BPT
• courses: - specialised - for managers and deputy managers of lower organisational elements of the alien police service - for managers and deputy managers of groups of administrative activities of the police in the field of weapons, ammunition, explosives and drugs - for police of the alien police service division - for staff of groups of investigation of crime and documentation of the alien police service
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- information and communication technologies - for instructors for preparation for working at heights 1 st level - for instructors for preparation for working at heights 2 nd level - extension of authorisation for instructors for preparation for working at heights 1 st level - extension of authorisation for instructors for preparation for working at heights 2 nd level - conflict resolution methods by transactional analysis - conflict resolution methods by transactional analysis – instructor training
- language - intensive language course of 336 lessons in the selected language - for APS police at international airports - language preparation in the form of continuing education: language exam MV Level I and II for APS police
The school is the guarantor for training processes associated with the Schengen issue and, exclusively in the Czech Republic, prepares and secures professional training for officers of the PCR Alien Police Service. Training of aliens expertise is guaranteed by the subject division of alien police service. This division teaches BPT on the basis of the approved framework training programme, which is further elaborated in the school education programme. In the framework training programme (hereinafter FTP) the conception of basic professional training and the competence of the BPT graduate, including training objectives, is developed. The linked training, as mentioned above, is performed also according to approved training programmes.
The BPT school education programme and subsequent education programmes are constantly updated and supplemented in connection with changes in the European Union and Schengen Area and associated changes in the national legislation of the Czech Republic in order to be in line with the requirements of police work. Since the Common Core Curriculum (CCC) has been revised by the Frontex Agency into individual modules (air, land and sea and a general module), these modules were included in the framework education programme, thus the BPT school education programme and advanced training programmes.
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1.2 The measures undertaken by the Czech Republic so far
1.2.1 Preparation of the Czech Republic for the accession to Schengen area
The inter-ministerial ‘ Schengen Evaluation – Czech Republic Working Group ’, established under the responsibility of the Ministry of the Interior, coordinated preparation by the Czech Republic to join the Schengen area. Expert groups set up in 2006 developed their activities in 2007 to prepare the individual areas of Schengen cooperation. Twinning projects carried out in the Czech Republic in relation to preparation for accession to EU and Schengen area: • Phare 2000 The New System of Police Education and Training • Since 2000 Preparative courses for admission of the members of the national minorities to the police service • Phare 2001 Implementation of the EFQM Model into the Police • Phare 2002 Schengen Action Plan and Schengen Information System • Since 2002 Human rights, respect for the minorities, professional ethics • Phare 2003 Strengthening of the fight against the trafficking in human beings • Phare 2004 Community policing • Since 2005 Police and human rights beyond 2000 • Since 2005 ICMPD manual of trafficking in human beings • Since 2006 AGIS “Exchange of Seniour Police Officers and Police Training Staff” • Since 2006 Transition Facility Twinning Light Project “Anti-corruption Strategy of Principles of Integrity and Ethics in Police Service
1.2.2 Tackling illegal migration and risk assessment
1.2.2.1 Anacen (Analytical Centre for Border Control and Migration) At the central level, awareness of the issue of illegal immigration risks was increased via newly established Coordinating body for management of external borders of the Czech Republic and the Analytical centre which provides joint risk analysis and threat assessment concerning all authorities active in the four-tiers concept of integrated border management. The ANACEN was established in line with the relevant task of the National Plan for Integrated Border Management of the Czech Republic. The main goal of the Analytical Centre is to set up a platform ensuring cooperation and joint assessment of gathered information while representing all authorities involved in the four-tiers border security model on a regular and permanent basis. Outputs of the Analytical Centre will enable adopting decisions which will be based on all available information and which will contribute to a more efficient policy of the Czech Republic in areas related to border control and illegal migration; these outputs shall be taken into account while laying down long-, medium- as well as short-term and ad hoc measures. By means of the Analytical Centre, an enhanced system of information flow was set up which ensures that the officers carrying out border control are provided with the outcome of analytical assessment and use it appropriately in their everyday work. At the same time,
28 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic gathering of relevant information and its processing at the local, regional and central level is ensured.
1.2.2.2 Risk analyses With the aim to use the results of risk analysis at the local level and to assist heads of Alien Police Units, heads of shifts and all police officers, a special Risk Analysis Unit was set up within the Analytical-Operative Section of the Alien Police Service Directorate on 1 February 2007 which is responsible for operation of special intranet web sites dedicated to the same purpose. As of September 2007, a new system of risk analysis and threat assessment, information flow and exchange of information at the central, regional and local level is being operated in the Czech Republic. The Coordinating Body supervises the Analytical Centre and takes its decisions on the basis of information provided by the Centre. The Coordinating Body ensures the implementation of conceptual and tactical measures in the field of management of external borders and will have the possibility to encharge the Centre with other specific tasks arising from actual needs.
1.2.3 Area of border surveillance and protection Since its accession to the EU, the Czech Republic has implemented the Schengen acquis category I at the temporary external land borders and at the airports. In the period of the preparation for the accession to the EU, the Czech Republic implemented, in particular, the relevant provisions of the Schengen Implementing Convention and the Common Manual, which are applicable since the date of accession based on Article 3 (1) and Annex I of the Act of Accession of the Czech Republic to the EU. After its accession, the Czech Republic reflected the newly adopted legal regulations regarding border control (e.g. Council Regulation (EC) No. 2133/2004 of 13 December 2004, on the requirement for the competent authorities to systematically stamp the travel documents of third country nationals when they cross the external borders of the Member States and amending the provisions of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement and the Common Manual to this end, and Council Decision 2004/574/EC of 29 April 2004 amending the Common Manual. Based on this decision, a standard form for refusal of entry at the border was introduced which is issued to third country nationals when refused entry. On 21 February 2006 the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council (EC) No. 562/2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) was adopted. It was then implemented in the methodical instructions of the border guard service. The National Plan for Integrated Border Management of the Czech Republic was adopted which describes activities of competent ministries and specifies tasks in the area of four-tier border security model. The spectrum of these activities spans from export of know-how and technical equipment to third countries, through cooperation with the Frontex agency, to control of the residence of third-country nationals in the CR.
1.2.3.1 Preparation of Alien Police Service for accession to Schengen area In 2006 - 2007 individual offices of the Alien Police were prepared for the accession of the CR into the Schengen area. Among other things, in the 2005-2007 period the alien police
29 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic service constructed an information system – “ Aliens Information System ” for the purposes of online access of individual offices to the database of missing persons and things, and personae non grata in the Czech Republic. One of the important parts of preparations for Schengen was the construction of two further information systems – the Schengen Information System (SISone4All) and Visa Information System (in preparation). There was a change in the activity of the APS at state borders with the simultaneous development of bilateral offices (joint police cooperation centres) with neighbouring states to ease communication and increase speed of information transmission as well as support for cross- border surveillance and hot pursuit.
1.2.3.2 Reorganization of Alien Police Service According to the fact that border checks at the land borders were abolished as of 21 December 2007, it was necessary to reorganize the Alien Police Service. For the drafting of the new conception of Alien Police Service after the entry of the CR into Schengen the Catalogue of recommendations for correct application of the Schengen acquis, which specify the best practices for frontiers, removal and readmission (5018/1/02 rev 1 SCH-EVAL 1 COMIX 4), were used. In accordance with these recommendations the conception includes an integrated model of border security, which is fully applied both for accession states and states which already fully apply the Schengen acquis. The number of staff of Alien Police Service was lowered from almost 7000 police officers to 3800 police officers. The number of civil officials remained 450.
1.2.3.3 Construction works at airports As regards the creation of the operation and construction improvements at airports complying with the requirements for non-Schengen flights, the works on the modification of the Prague Ruzyn ě airport are being finished. Similar improvement works are in progress at the airports Brno-Tu řany, Ostrava-Mošnov, Karlovy Vary and Pardubice (different construction stages, regular consultations at the level of the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of the Interior). All airports with external border will be equipped with terminals for the access to SIS and VIS for the purposes of systematic performance of checks.
1.2.4 IT systems
1.2.4.1 SIS
The finalisation of the Project SIS II is currently planned according to the preparation and final solution of Central part of SIS II and will be changed accordingly. The finalisation of central part of SIS II was planned on September 2009. The total budget of the Project SIS II at national level is in amount of 8,449,876 EUR (this amount includes some expenditure on SISone4All too). Further investments in SIS II for years 2008-2010 are estimated in amount 3,787,272 EUR.
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During the visit of Schengen Evaluation Commission for SIS and SIRENE (21- 24 September 2007) in the Czech Republic the state of the art technology used for all systems as well as advanced level of training and education was mentioned. A good workflow system in the SIRENE office (EVIN) was observed.
1.2.4.2 VIS In October 2006 a contract on delivery of NS-VIS was signed. The first phase of the project concerning the analyse of current and future state was started in November 2007. With regard to use national part of SISone4all a VIS including VISION adjustments of the source database of the Alien Information System (AIS or CIS) were completed which are to enable, enhance and secure a two-sided communication between systems and to ensure that requirements for data protection are respected. The source database AIS was adjusted by a supplier in compliance with SISone4all and requirements for national part VIS. The national part of Schengen consultation network, VISION office, was put into operation as well. With regard to the decision to connect the Czech Republic to the current Schengen Information System (SIS 1+) through SISone4all consultation system VISION was adjusted in May 2007 so that VISION could communicate with VISION offices of other EU Member States and with SISone4all. Of course, in accordance with community legislation, the SIS and the VIS are not interconnected and are kept as two different systems with separate data and access.
The total budget of the Project VIS at national level is in amount of 19,583,33 EUR. MOI part of the budget is in amount of 10,416,666 EUR and MFA part of the budget is in amount of 9.166,666 EUR.
The Czech Republic began equipping its diplomatic missions abroad and consulates general with the appropriate technology serving for scanning and checking the biometric features of electronic travel documents in 2006.
1.2.5 Visa area and consular cooperation All diplomatic missions abroad that are authorized to issue visas (embassies, general consulates) are equipped with readers of machine-readable documents (allowing the inspection of whether the data in the machine-readable zone is consistent and correct), a source of ultraviolet (UV) light at 366 nm, magnifying glass and tweezers. Embassies and general consulates were equipped with devices for capturing and control of biometric features in electronic travel documents. The Common Consular Instructions is available at these workplaces together with specimens of genuine documents of the country where they are located. An electronic version of the catalogue of travel documents to diplomatic missions was distributed simultaneously with Handbook of Genuine Identity Travel and Residence Documents. Before leaving for their destined diplomatic mission, consular staff members are familiarized with the catalogue and the handbook by training at the Alien Police Service Directorate. Consular staff meetings also take place every year and include training on travel documents. Diplomatic missions annually receive the document “Assessment of Travel Document Misuse in Illegal Migration in the Czech Republic”. In connection with the accession of the CR into Schengen area, the number of consular staff was increased (diplomats and ATP) at the diplomatic missions where a high number of visas are issued and in countries of migration risks. In concrete these are the diplomatic missions in Moscow, Petrograd (Saint Petersburg), Yekaterinburg, Hanoi, Ulaanbaatar, Cairo, Lvov. Further a new measure has been adopted as regards decision on issuing of visa – only
31 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic diplomatic staff can decide. To prevent a working routine, it was recommended that staff dealing with visa process would be shifted. Security at diplomatic missions of the Czech Republic MoFA maintains 117 DM abroad. The security is guaranteed in accordance with the respective laws. DM usually are premises with one or more buildings. They are divided into political, economic and consular section. On regular basis the security is guaranteed by the complex of security measures which are: 1. electronic alarm systems – protection of premises and individual rooms 2. mechanical obstacles systems – security doors, bars, security foils, bullet-proof communication windows 3. camera systems – mainly placed at the entrances to monitor the area before the entrance 4. physical surveillance of the premises – security agencies 5. regime measures
The Schengen evaluation report on visas further requested to provide DM with complex camera systems, to introduce checks on persons and to increase the security of mechanical obstacles. At the entrances to waiting rooms the equipment for detection of dangerous substances and weapons (RTG, security frames). Visa documents of sensitive nature are kept in certified safes which are placed in secured areas of consular sections. During the opening hours of DM physical surveillance is provided. To date 90% of the DM are equipped with electronic alarm systems. The equipment concerning mechanical obstacles systems and detection of dangerous substances and weapons will be gradually completed according to beforehand determined limits.
1.2.6 Training of staff
1.2.6.1 Consular staff All consular officers go through a demanding selection procedure, which is followed up by special training at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As a part of their preparation before posting, visa section staff members of diplomatic missions attend training focused on the specific territorial aspects of the region concerned. This training includes practical sessions in a simulation visa workplace of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and practical training at the relevant workplaces of the Alien and Border Police Service Directorate and of the Ministry of the Interior. The pre-departure training for staff to be deployed was improved with lectures on Schengen issues, the operating of visa program is being intensively trained (simulation of printing Schengen visa stickers, annulment of the visa and other tasks). Subsequently, current issues are discussed at regular meetings of general consuls and heads of consular sections. If necessary, but at least once a month, every head of a consular section organizes a briefing in order to exchange information relevant for issuing visas. At the same time, information is exchanged in both directions with the head office and other diplomatic missions.
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1.2.6.2 Staff of Alien Police Service A pilot project of a new extended (18-months long) model of the “Basic Professional Training” for police officers of the Alien Police Service was prepared with the first graduates in May 2007. In addition, participants of the Basic Professional Training undergo, within the instructed practice, practical training at the Prague Ruzyne Airport which lasts one month (144 hours). As regards verification of travel documents, a CD-ROM created by an expert team of the Frontex Agency has been in use.
A comparison of curriculum in terms of number of hours between the Basic Professional Training and the Common Core Curriculum for border guard training (CCC) has been carried out in relation to document examination, organised crime and airport control. On the basis of this analysis, the scope of the training has been increased in respective areas as follows: - document examination from 21 to 49 hours (CCC-40 hours) - organised crime from 2 to 15 hours (CCC-15 hours) - airport control from 2 to 10 hours (CCC-6 hours)
As such, the CCC have been fully incorporated into the Basic Professional Training including the instructed practice.
1.2.6.3 Liaison officers Deployment of liaison officers in third countries is an essential part of the programme for an effective system of border control, for the combating of illegal migration, and for the overall monitoring and analysis of migratory flows towards the Czech Republic and/or the EU. Immigration police officers were posted to several diplomatic missions of the Czech Republic in countries with high illegal migration risk (Ukraine, Belarus, Egypt, Vietnam and China in August 2006 and to Mongolia in October 2006) with the aim to provide expert assistance to consular staff while processing visa applications, in particular in the field of travel documents. By virtue of the increasing significance of the agenda to combat illegal migration and international migration in general, greater attention will be paid to this issue. Besides the future selection of destinations for the posting of liaison officers, this will also be reflected in the system of their training.
1.2.7 Removal of obstacles at the land border crossing points In connection with the decision of the Executive Committee of SCH/Com-ex (94) 1, rev. 2 of 26 April 1994 regarding the adjustment measures to remove obstacles and restrictions on traffic flows at internal roadway border crossing points (replaced by Article 22 of the Schengen Borders Code as of 13 October 2006), the Office of the Government Representation in Property Affairs in close cooperation with the Ministry of Interior coordinates a project the purpose of which is to adjust the border crossing points so that they meet the relevant criteria. This includes, in particular, removal of roofing, removal of checkpoints (booths), changes in traffic signs, etc.
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1.3 The total national resources allocated
National investments from the state budget for the purpose of financing joint programs
Resources Resources allocated for Date of Program really allocated Project No. Name of project co-financing completion of Phare form the from national the project national budget budget Schengen Information System and Phare strengthening of 2000 CZ 00.07.02 borders 209 355 600,00 263 507 000,00 31.7.2004 Phare Strengthening of 2002 CZ 02.07.01 border control 54 941 400,00 132 671 850,00 31.10.2005 Schengen Action Phare Plan and IS (SIS) - II. 2002 CZ 02.07.02 phase 32 201 765,00 53 240 509,00 31.10.2005 Phare 2003 CZ 03.05.05 Support for N–SIS 28 279 800,00 30 215 463,88 31.10.2006
TOTAL resources allocated (in Czech crowns) 324 778 565,00 479 634 822,88
The following tables do not include other running costs and expenditure for purchase of service transportation and SIS and VIS server equipment. The expenditure given below concern equipment for control of documents, SW, camera systems etc.
Table 8: Expenditure incurred for the material provision of the Alien Police Service with localisation at Czech international airports 2005 - 2007
2005 (CZK) Airport Expenditure on material provision
Praha – Ruzyn ě 1 639 742 Hradec Králové – Pardubice 242 756 Brno – Tu řany 850 000 Ostrava – Mošnov 261 000
2006 (CZK) Airport Expenditure on material provision
Praha – Ruzyn ě 210 000 Hradec Králové – Pardubice 298 154 Brno – Tu řany 1 139 000
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Ostrava – Mošnov 1 280 000
1st half of 2007 (CZK) Airport Expenditure on material provision
Praha – Ruzyn ě Hradec Králové - Pardubice 92 696 Brno – Tu řany 588 000 Ostrava – Mošnov 1 510 000
As concerns the area of consular service, that is an integral part of the MoFA CR. Several units of the MoFA CR share in costs connected with visa activities, though they do not record these costs separately. For that reason it is not possible to clearly enumerate costs for the visa activity of the Consular Service.
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2. ANALYSIS OF REQUIREMENTS IN CZECH REPUBLIC
2.1 The requirements in the Czech Republic in relation to the baseline situation
2.1.1 Area of border surveillance and protection
Since the CR does not perform surveillance of any external Schengen land border, activities connected with the four-tier model of border protection are now focused on perfecting and modernising procedures and methods in the relevant tiers of border protection. This concerns, for example: • activities in third countries (liaison officers, consular activities and cooperation), • strengthening and construction of information systems (SIS II, VIS), • increasing international cooperation, • more thorough protection of air borders. Associated with these activities is also training of personnel in professional and language aspects. The Czech Republic will pay increased attention to the deployment of liaison officers, among other things a new conception was approved by the government in 2008. Czech liaison officers dispatched abroad, in whose competence are questions on migration, are a significant element of border protection, the fight against illegal migration and monitoring and analysis of migration flows in the Schengen territory. In the new conditions the CR has to be prepared to eliminate the security risks which illegal migration brings in a manner allowing a quick and unified response. An integrated model of border security is an important tool for securing internal security and protection against illegal migration, which is based on the introduction of a set of complementary measures, in the scope of which 4 tiers are recognised:
1. activities in third countries, particularly in countries of origin and transit countries, 2. international cooperation associated with border protection, 3. measures at external borders – border protection (border checks and border surveillance), 4. other activities implemented in the territory of Schengen states and between those states.
The Alien Police Service will act in concert in all tiers of border security system. In the first tier there are activities outside the territory of the Czech Republic and Schengen area - in countries of origin and transit. These activities serve as a direct element of the protection of borders or as prevention. This concerns inter alia dispatch of liaison officers and document advisors to third countries, processing of applications for visas, collection of information etc. The second tier of external border protection covers multilateral, bilateral and local cooperation. This cooperation occurs with all neighbouring states and its purpose is to
36 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic increase the effectiveness of protection of the external borders of the Schengen Area by use of the resources of international cooperation. The third tier includes external border protection which the CR performs after accession to the Schengen area at international airports with external (non-Schengen) flights only. The fourth tier includes activities in the CR directed against illegal migration and cross-border criminality. These activities include checks made for the purposes of verification the legality of residence in the territory, activity directed against illegal employment of foreign nationals, activity directed at fighting criminal activity in connection with illegal migration, expulsion of persons residing in the territory illegally and possible reintroduction of border checks at internal borders. Organisational elements of the Alien Police Service will participate to the maximum in performing these tasks.
Air borders There are be 5 large airports with international public traffic in the CR and 12 airports with international non-public traffic which will clear non-Schengen flights. In the scope of protection of these external borders, from the point of view of technology used modernisation of workstations is required, including supplementary technical equipment for these stations and purchase of new biometric equipment. To ensure the required scope of external border protection at international airports using information systems it is necessary to increase the capacity of WAN networks and ensure the redundancy of the internal LAN networks, purchase of new servers with adequate data storage for a backup local copy of information systems (CIS, SIS, SML G2). Linked to the problem of international airports is the construction of a monitoring and control system for energy control (technical dispatching). The system ensures the correct functioning of all decisive energy systems of the airport with emphasis on delivery of electrical energy so that linked security systems work without problem even in the event of a public blackout. The system includes elements of automatic monitoring and assessment of the situation and in final form it will be able to remotely control all energy nodes. Furthermore, it is necessary to construct a monitoring system for monitoring people and cars at the front of the airport and in front of other airport buildings, which allows monitoring of the movement of persons and vehicles in the service area in front of the airport concourse and other airport buildings. This allows identification of the type and registration number of cars and identification of people. Other requirements for international airports include securing of the airport perimeter (technical means of perimeter control, means of transport for perimeter control) and completion of construction work associated with Schengen requirements. For the purpose of protection of external borders, it is necessary to make the Schengen Information System (SIS), the Visa Information System (VIS) accessible for wireless communication, and if the capacity of the memory of the mobile terminals is exceeded, then also the Aliens Information System (CIS) will need to be made accessible. Buying the radio stations G2 equipped with BlueTooth adapters and ensuring availability of the necessary data resources from SIS and VIS and, as the case may be, CIS at the MATRA access gate will make it possible to carry out on-line checks in the relevant police information systems. These measures are to be financed from the state budget.
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Surveillance of airports Furthermore, for better surveillance of airports, it is necessary to construct camera monitoring systems and add a suitable technology for night vision (thermo-vision) so that surveillance or supervision over the airport can be ensured during the night. Detection of fraudulent documents With a view to the increasing importance of detection of forged and altered documents for limiting illegal migration, there will be a gradual development of activity in this area in accordance with Europe-wide development. Therefore it is necessary to modernise instruments used for detection of altered travel documents. One of the tasks will be provision of input information on document samples and on specific misused documents in the FADO information system and conversion of information from FADO into the internal police network. The aim is to improve cooperation with centres for verifying the veracity of documents in the EU and outside the EU. Improvement of external border protection requires concurrent preparation and training of police officers with a focus, above all, on improving professional skills which have a direct relationship to the performance of border checks and activity of liaison offices in third countries. 2.1.2 Liaison officers
The activity of liaison officers should allow for certain changes in future. In connection with the growing importance of the agenda concerning the fight against illegal migration and international migration in general, this issue will be given greater attention which, aside from the future selection of destinations (inter alia based on the position of the Analytical centre for protection of borders and migration), will be projected into the system of training liaison officers. According to the new conception candidates for liaison officers will complete specialised education which will form a system of ongoing and long-term training in a wide spectrum of migration issues, foreign policy, consular skills and language skills.
The MoI CR will administer a database of liaison officers for migration. Individual candidates in the scope of the database will be selected ad hoc for current risk destinations. The MoI CR will decide on the selection of destination, length of stay and personnel deployment. For implementation of the abovementioned training activities it will be necessary to make full use of the capacity of the Holešov Secondary Police School and police training centres, with maximum use of own capacity (see below). Part of the training will be carried out at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2.1.3 IT systems
2.1.3.1 SIS The preparations for functioning of SIS II, building of national communication interface for SIS II in accordance with final solution and functionality of central system SIS II are necessary as well as preparation of categories of data for SIS II and their migration from SISone4all to SIS II. The operation and functioning of the national part of SIS II will require respective personal and technical measures and further education of SIS II end users. Regarding the time shift of the implementation of the central part of SIS II secured by the European Commission in the following years it shall lead inevitably to application
38 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic adjustments or changes resulting from technical rules and specifications (ICD, DTS) into all national parts of SIS II operated in individual Member States. This fact will require the intervention into software and partially also hardware equipment. The finalisation of the Project SIS II was planned until the end of 2008, this timetable is to be modified according to the preparation of central part of SIS II and will be changed accordingly.
2.1.3.2 VIS The application of the Schengen acquis in the Czech Republic calls for a fully functional national visa information system. The national visa information system in the Czech Republic will be the NS-VIS (National system - VIS, coordinated by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic) and the related VIS-MFA. VIS-MFA ensures communication between the Directorate of Alien Police Service and the diplomatic missions of the Czech Republic, which consists in exchanging individual batches containing data of the visa applicants, collected at the diplomatic missions of the Czech Republic around the world (approximately 110 diplomatic missions). VIS-MFA provides visa data for NS-VIS for processing and for decision-making on whether a visa will or will not be issued. NS-VIS then sends these decisions through VIS-MFA back to the diplomatic missions. VIS-MFA is not used to process biometric data; it is only used to collect them and then to send them to the national system, which is within the sector of the MOI CR. The investment requirements arising from the programme of the VIS-MZV project for the 2007 annual programme encompass only the price for an analysis of VIS-MFA system requirements and system design, and the price of a security and organization study. The price of system development and testing, the price of integrating the system with the central VIS, and the price of the pilot operation of the system will be dissolved in the unit price per workplace delivered.
2.1.4 Enhancement of risk analyses – in cooperation with ANACEN
By means of the branch of Analytical Centre located at the Police presidium an enhanced system of risk assessment/information flow shall be set up which will ensure that the officers carrying out border control will be provided with the outcome of analytical assesssment and will use it appropriately in their everyday work. At the same time, gathering of relevant information and its processing at the local, regional and central level shall be ensured. The main aim is to establish a new system of risk analysis in accordance with the above mentioned. Further, standards for exchange of analytical information at EU level should be elaborated. The staff dealing with these issues should be trained properly.
2.1.5 Visa policy and consular cooperation
The involvement of the CR in Schengen cooperation means several possible tasks for the consular service of the CR. This concerns chiefly improvement of the system of training of consular workers, introduction of new information technologies into the visa process, including implementation of the Visa Information System project. Not least it is necessary to increase the level of security of DM visa and consular sections.
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2.1.5.1 Introduction of VIS in visa issuing process
In comparison with the present the visa process for all visas will differentiate by capturing of biometric elements (fingerprints and photographs). Until now visa applicants have not submitted photographs with these applications and no fingerprints were required of them. After launch of VIS-MoFA and NS-VIS CR a photograph of the applicant will be made at the submission of the application by scanning a paper photograph (see the proposal of the Common Consular Instructions, point 1.2.a) and simultaneously prints of all 10 fingers will be taken from him. The fingerprints can be used for identification of the person (search in the database of fingerprints) or verification of identity (one-to-one comparison). Subjects involved in the process of granting visas in the CR after the connection to the VIS have remained unchanged in principle compared with the current state. There will be a change in the number of some consular offices at DM as a result of changes in the Common Consular Instructions and introduction of biometrics. The proposed system will secure the whole process of processing visa applications from the moment of taking text or biometric data at a Czech DM or MoFA CR department until the moment of activities associated with granting or refusing visas, including keeping relevant records.
The VIS-MoI system, which controls individual phases of processing applications, uses MoFA communication infrastructure, HW and SW and is divided into the following parts:
1. the application SW of the central part of the system ensures collecting of applications for visas processed at DM and the MoFA consular department, recording of information, monitoring and administration of the system. It works in a 24 x 7 regime 2. the client part of the system for DM and the MoFA consular department serving all visa process activities under MoFA competence 3. the special client part of the system at the MoFA consular department securing the approval process of issuing visas to certain applicants, for example, diplomats 4. monitoring of the functionality of the whole system or monitoring of the functionality of all consular activities serving for the issue of travel, diplomatic, service passports and entry visas 5. visa process communication system, working with the use of the MoFA communication infrastructure 6. control and evaluation of security in the visa issuing process 7. training centre of the client part of the system equipped with a SW module for testing the whole process of functionality on training days and serving for user training.
As of 1 October 2008 a pilot project on capturing biometric features (10 fingerprints) from visa applicants in Cairo DM is running.
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Rollout concerning connection to CS-VIS and introduction of capturing biometric features and its phases will be done by the responsible authorities according to the instructions of project CS-VIS (EC, VIS WG).
Increase of the level of security of DM visa and consular sections
The MoFA faces the task of making supplements to all required necessary measures leading to an increase of the safety of workers at CD sections at all offices which have not met these requirements associated with entry into the Schengen Area or where the buildings are undergoing reconstruction. The MoFA Security Department has timetabled a plan of security measures for the period 2007 – 2013.
In terms of technical measures it is necessary to implement some measures at DM consular and visa sections. Above all it is necessary to equip DM consular sections with necessary technical resources and make necessary building alterations at some DM.
2.1.6 Training of staff
2.1.6.1 Training of consular workers It is essential to improve the quality of theoretical preparation based on the systematic acquisition of knowledge of the given legal and internal regulations arranging consular and visa activity. This is possible only under the leadership of experienced instructors.
Furthermore, it appears necessary for consular workers to acquire practical skills during the process of training required for quality performance of a function at DM, chiefly for performance of the visa agenda. This is possible to achieve chiefly by creating model situations. In this regard it is also necessary for graduates to acquire tactical skills, like the method of holding an interview with a visa applicant etc.
Training should be supplemented with a short conversation course with consular and visa focus in the main languages (Russian, English).
The training system can be improved by creating a specialized training centre for consular and visa staff. The training centre will include a model of consular and visa workplace that simulates, as faithfully as possible, the situation at an embassy’s Consular Section, equipped with the commonly used regulations, aids, forms and software. This mock-up will be used as part of a fixed two-week training module within the scope of the pre-departure preparation of staff to be posted long term, which will be repeated approximately five times a year. At the same time, the centre could be used as required by the Consular Department to train short- term assistants and provide ongoing training of the rank-and-file staff at the Consular Department. The centre will be set up at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a training module will be set up with a fixed structure and syllabuses.
In addition, it appears necessary for routine cooperation to be launched with training centres of other departments, particularly the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Justice. By means of them graduates would have the chance to become acquainted with the activities of specialised offices. This would chiefly concern the manner of clearance at border crossings. In this regard it is also important for future consuls to acquire knowledge on the method of
41 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic resolution and prevention of serious criminal acts, for example, illegal manufacturing and smuggling of narcotics and human trafficking.
The following HW and SW are required for each model visa workplace: PC, LCD monitor, visa sticker ink printer with the relevant specifications (colour ink printing, A4, A5, A6 printing, guaranteed guidance of documents via the longer and shorter side without derogating from their processing, guarantee of the margin settings, infra-red printing that can be processed via a reader of machine readable documents, minimum resolution of 2400x1200 dpi, camera, document reader, fingerprint reader. Description of the training module:
Preparation will include a theoretical and practical part.
The theoretical part assumes a detailed acquainting with relevant regulations (Schengen acquis, Aliens act, MoFA internal regulations) the knowledge of which is essential for work at the DM consular section. The theoretical part assumes lectures and time for self-study.
Practical part:
1) simulated training for the work of the visa and consular worker “at the counter“ 2) psychological preparation including e.g. practice handling difficult clients, communicating "bad news”, practice of communication with people in difficult domestic situations etc. 3) language courses focused on practical expressions.
Manner of implementation: for implementation of the course cooperation with other materially relevant departments and their training institutions is expected, thus with the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Justice (including the prison service). It is expected that instructors will be workers of the MoFA CD, MoI, MoJ, specialist psychologists, language teachers working, for example, at law faculties, etc.
Manner of concluding course: final test.
View to the future: the basic 14-day course will be possible to extend to three to four weeks after assessment of its effectiveness. It is expected that completion of this course will be a condition for the dispatch of the workers to DM consular sections. We are counting on an increase in students for contractual and, according to possibilities, local staffing (taking account of their language abilities) who, as part of their private trips to the CR, would complete courses outside regular leave.
2.1.6.2 Education processes and requirements for police The following norms and curricula relevant to the European Union – the “Core Curriculum” – are implemented in the education processes of PCR students: a) Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the Gradual Abolition of Checks at their Common Borders, signed in Schengen, Luxemburg and the Schengen Acquis
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b) Regulation (EC) No 562/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) and Commission Recommendation establishing a common "Practical Handbook for Border Guards (Schengen Handbook)" to be used by Member States' competent authorities when carrying out the border control of persons. c) Council Directive 2002/90/EC of 28 November 2002 defining the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and residence d) Council framework Decision of 28 November 2002 on the strengthening of the penal framework to prevent the facilitation of unauthorised entry, transit and residence (2002/946/JHA) e) Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 of 18 February 2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national f) Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons g) Act No 326/1999 Coll. on the regional division of the state, as amended h) Act No 325/1999 Coll. on asylum, as amended i) Act No 216/2002 Coll. on protection of the State borders of the CR j) Act 312/2001 Coll. on the State borders k) Act 329/1999 Coll. on travel documents l) Act No 328/1999 Coll. on citizen's identity cards m) Act No 119/2001 Coll. on weapons and munitions n) Act No 21/2003 Coll. on temporary protection o) Frontex Agency air border module p) Frontex Agency land border module
The content of training in the scope of air border protection is based on these areas: a) Regulation (EC) No 2320/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 establishing common rules in the field of civil aviation security b) Schengen Borders Code (Annex 6, Part 2 – Air borders) – Procedures for checks at international airports c) Commission Regulation (EC) No 1138/2004 of 21 June 2004 establishing a common definition of critical parts of security restricted areas at airports d) Council Directive 2003/110/EC of 25 November 2003 on assistance in cases of transit for the purposes of removal by air e) Activities at airports (security measures, general aviation, cooperation with other subjects, emergency procedures and crisis management)
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f) Border checks (profiling and initial querying, mixed flights, visas, denial of entry and return, denial of emigration, valuables – air tickets, baggage labelling, language knowledge, special flights, risk analysis, organised crime) g) SIS, VIS, EUORODAC.
In the scope of specialised courses the police will be trained to be able to perform second level activities, including supervision and investigation: a) Risk analysis and information exchange; b) Pre-arrival check; c) Asylum, temporary protection; d) Transit space; e) Public spaces of the airport; f) Airport – security checks at gates;
A new system of pre-service preparation and ongoing education will be used for training liaison officers, which will consist of the following areas: a) migration b) foreign policy c) consular skills d) negotiation, communication, psychology e) language skills Implementation of the training activities of liaison officers will make use of the Holešov Secondary Police School and police training centres, as well as Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Requirements In connection with the incorporation of a Professional College into the MoI SPS in Holešov and implementation of the CCC for border guards in the BPT instruction of PCR APS students, it is necessary to construct corresponding classrooms at the training centre. Currently the MoI SPS in Holešov has professional classrooms in which alien and border police instruction, information technology and foreign language instruction take place. From the above summary of the main legal norms and application of the instruction objectives emerging from them in the training process, it is clear that great knowledge and skill demands are placed on students and the pedagogical and didactic ability of teachers. In this regard it is necessary to mention that the training base of the school does not correspond to the current trends in education, i.e. professional classrooms and their instrumental equipment, computer technology, didactic equipment and other aids are partially outdated or missing outright. There is also no place for the instruction of specific activities occurring at an international airport.
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In the following years it is therefore necessary to modernise the existing professional classrooms, including their equipment and thus significantly improve the conditions for professional instruction in the area of protection of the external Schengen borders, the aliens issue etc. In the following years, in the scope of international cooperation it is necessary to increase pedagogical and didactic cooperation with foreign training centres of a similar type to the MoI SPS and apply the knowledge thereby acquired in the training process. A further category which cannot be forgotten is providing of investments connected with the Schengen Information System (SIS) and Visa Information System (VIS). This chiefly concerns provision of corresponding technical support and equipment, promotion of systematic and regular cooperation in this area with other Member States, the initiative of responsible workers in the further development of information systems, purchase of equipment in the area of information technologies, modernisation of existing computer technology and increase of its capacity as a whole. Further associated with this is the dissemination of information on relevant systems and instruments, including professional literature, such as creation of practical user and methodological manuals, transfer of quality national information inputted into unified schemes of information systems ensuring mutual communication and compatibility. From the point of view of foreign language instruction it is necessary to secure investment into equipment which would allow the unification in a very though short time and in the most effective way of the very different entry levels of knowledge of students and to link it to the professional issue for use in the check-in process at international airports. From our point of view it concerns interactive instruction including the use of the possibility of involving foreign experts and native speakers in the teaching process.
2.2 The operational objectives of the Czech Republic designed to meet its requirements
After the accession into the Schengen area the Czech Republic safeguards its part of protection of the common area of freedom, security and justice. For this purpose it has to fulfil new duties – the so called compensatory measures based on high standard of activities in third countries, border control at external borders including the risk analyses and IT systems, development of effective police cooperation, common procedures in implementation of visa policy. The proper functioning and use of SIS is a necessary condition for the high level of the above mentioned activities.
The Czech Republic does not have any land external borders. The requirement analysis in the field of Schengen acquis identified various measures will have to be implemented in following years. These are above all tasks stated in National Plan for Integrated Border Management, Schengen Action Plan 2008.
The main aims in this regard are as follows: • further strengthening of air borders in the Czech Republic by means of technical equipment (special operational equipment, means of transport, surveillance and monitoring systems, back-up centre)
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• functioning of N-VIS in accordance with building and operation of central part of VIS and respective software and technical specifications. • further building of national communication interface for SIS II in accordance with final specification and functioning of central part of SIS II and respective software and hardware specifications. • in accordance with building of integrated border management focus is to enhance the risk analyses activities to fight against illegal migration and crime related to crossing of external borders. In this concern measures for collection, methodical analysis and use of relevant statistical data and information through relevant information systems will have to be taken. • based on conclusions from Schengen evaluation reports a significant emphasis shall be put on education of border police officers and training in the field of detection of false and falsified documents, profiling of travellers and risk analysis. • in accordance with preparation of visa officers for activities related to issuing of visa, detection of false and falsified travelling documents and use of VIS further theoretical and practical education will be necessary in relation with their regular rotation on different consular offices. A consular training centre will be built for these purposes. The new training model is to be introduced for liaison officers.
Consequently, the following operational objectives of the Czech Republic have been set:
Operational objective 1 Strengthening efficiency of the border control system at international airports.
Operational objective 2 Increase of ability of border guards to execute border checks and surveillance at international airports via using the most up-to-date technical equipment, means of transport and communication technique.
Operational objective 3 Improvement of conditions in diplomatic missions as regards security and equipment
Operational objective 4 Enhancement of functioning of the national part of the Visa Information System and the national part of the Schengen Information System, the API system, building up of backup centre.
Operational objective 5 More efficient assessment and management of migration flows through risk analysis and strengthening combating illegal migration.
Operational objective 6 Enhancement of performance of tasks related to application of legal instruments of the Community in the field of external border and visas and strengthening capacities and expertise of authorities responsible for management of external borders and consular offices.
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3. STRATEGY TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVES
The overall objective for the period of 2007 – 2013 of the External Borders Fund is to apply the priorities of the Community for the purpose of the gradual strengthening of the system of Integrated Border Management and improve the border control of the external borders of the Czech Republic in accordance with the operational objectives defined nationally.
3.1 Priority 1 Support for further gradual establishment of the common integrated border management system as regards the checks on persons at and the surveillance of the external borders
Strategy objective: Security at international airports This will be achieved by modernisation and procurement of technical equipment for document checks, monitoring and camera systems and other systems of external security at the international airports in accordance with operational objectives 1 and 2. Examples of key actions to be supported under the priority: Action 1: - Investment into systems of external and internal security, including the system for controlling energy at international airports (camera systems, CCD cameras, physical security of airport perimeters) - Output indicators – purchase of security systems, camera systems and CCD cameras at individual international airports - Result indicators – increase of the quality of external border protection and security at international airports, increase of the quality of optical control of space
Action 2: - Investment into instruments for checking the veracity of documents, e.g. Docutest, Docubox, Regula, VSC- 4, Docucenter and investment in workplaces for documentation of forger documents (microscopes, digital cameras, PCs incl. graphics SW, scanners, illuminated magnifying glasses etc.) - Output indicators: procurement of new instruments, construction of a modern workplace for checking suspect documents - Result indicators: acceleration of passenger processing, better document control and faster checking and finding of forged documents
Action 3: - Investment into the technical equipment for the first line of control (UV lamps, table polarisation lamps etc.)
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- Output indicators: purchase of fixed UV lamps and table polarisation lamps, incl. their installation - Result indicators: faster checks of documents and people
Programming period concerned
The actions will be carried out in the annual programme in the first programming period 2007-2010.
3.2 Priority 3
Support for the issuing of visas and the tackling of illegal immigration, including the detection of false or falsified documents by enhancing the activities organised by the consular and other services of the Member States in third countries. Strategy objective: Development of the infrastructure of the consular offices One of the main objectives of the MoFA CR Consulate Service is to increase the security of the visa sections of DM and their staff. In addition, it is necessary to meet requirements emerging from binding recommendations of the Schengen evaluations in this area at all DM. This refers to the operational objectives 3. In terms of technical measures it is necessary to implement some measures at DM consular and visa sections. Above all it is necessary to equip DM consular sections with necessary technical resources and make necessary building alterations at some DM.
Examples of key actions to be supported under the priority: - Purchase of safes – procurement of certified safes or strongboxes for the requirements of the consular sections at DM. Safes will be used to keep visa stickers and other CD documents and materials requiring secure storage. Renewal of 10 safes annually is realistic - Fitting of grates – as part of increasing security of workers sent to DM sections steel grates will be fitted on the windows of buildings, including mounting of safety films - Building alterations at selected DM – the situation at some DM has been unsatisfactory for a long period, particularly due to large glassed surfaces on the outer sections of the CD. Thus the sections are not securable. In the scope of this action the outer parts of the CD will be changed at DM into walls, security doors and windows will be installed and the space secured by electronic and mechanical elements. This alteration will fundamentally change and increase the safety of DM workers for work with visa applicants - Expansion of camera monitoring in waiting rooms and – based on the inspections and requirements of the Schengen evaluations at CR DM abroad waiting rooms are not sufficiently equipped with camera supervision with possibilities of image capture reversal. Cameras with this possibility will be installed in the waiting rooms of DM consular sections. Survey cameras with 360° lenses will be used to provide a survey of the whole waiting-room space, with their own recording equipment and camera control by consular workers. Installation of five camera systems annually seems realistic - Replacement the windows at consular and visa counters – at several CD sections which have not yet undergone reconstruction or security modification, there are no standard bullet-proof consul windows with a feeder and a communication device. In the scope of this action six such windows will be installed each at five DM. The windows will be standardly bullet-proof,
49 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic one-piece, with a certified document feeder and communication device. The installation of windows will fundamentally increase the passive security of CD workers at DM - Supply of walkthrough security detectors – in the scope of increasing the security of CD, walkthrough security detectors and X-ray instruments will be installed at the entrances to CD waiting rooms for checking persons entering the DM. Equipping of 5 DM with walkthrough security detectors is expected annually - Output indicators: purchase of security equipment, camera systems and DM building alterations - Result indicators: increasing the security of DM spaces.
Programming period concerned The actions relating to this objective will be implemented throughout the multi-annual programming period. Actions will be implemented in different locations each annual programme. At least the following locations are expected to be targeted with the use of the Fund: Increased complex security at the DM - AP 2007, 2008 (DM Bangkok, Pretoria), AP 2009 (DM Brasilia, Kiev), AP 2010 (DM Kinshasa, Santiago de Chile), AP 2011 (Washington), AP 2012 (DM Hanoi, Madrid), AP 2013 (DM Accra, Luanda). As regards security equipment, the DM in high risk countries will be equipped in the first place (DM Islamabad, Beirut, Lvov, Hanoi, Brasilia, Ulaanbaatar, México, Kishinev, Minsk, Kinshasa, Bombay etc.) The technical resources and services ensuring the protection and security at CD sections of DM will be implemented during 2007-2013 in a supplier manner based on prior findings and design. The algorithm of achieving the objective is set according to the key: 1. determinative phase – setting requirements for the solution to individual DM in the form of consultation, findings on-the-spot 2. project phase – provision of project documentation resolving specific buildings 3. preparation and initiation phase – selection of a supplier according to applicable CR acts and MoFA directives 4. implementation phase – delivery and completion of activity, its handover for use The time demands for implementation of one specific project is estimated according to the demands for a period from 3 months to 7 months for the most demanding implementation of measure reconstruction.
3.3 Priority 4 Support for the establishment of IT systems required for implementation of the Community legal instruments in the field of external borders and visas
A. Strategy objective: Launching of IT systems at international airports Development and establishment of the data and information systems necessary at border crossing points and required for control at external borders. This concerns the operational objectives 1 and 4.
Examples of key actions to be supported under the priority:
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Action 1: - Investment into constructing a CIS backup centre – elimination of the risk of loss of access to data funds of the immigration police during performance of service, i.e. particularly while making border checks - Output indicators: construction of backup centre - Result indicator: increasing the reliability of the information system.
Action 2: - Investment into a terminal solution for airport checks – including a server part, stationary terminals for access to the SIS, VIS and CIS and modifications of information systems for reorganisation of data processing from client stations into the terminal solution - Output indicators: number of established server centres, terminals and number of modified information systems - Result indicator: acceleration of passenger processing.
Action 3: - Investment into technology for transfer of data on passengers from air carriers – including purchase of servers, workstations and technical equipment, development and implementation of programme equipment and purchase of a technical solution of the data transfer service through the air carrier data networks -Output indicators: purchase of HW, programmes - Result indicators: securing the safe transfer of data. Programming period concerned
The actions relating to this objective will be implemented throughout the multi-annual programming period. Actions will be implemented in different international airports each annual programme. Gradually and according to needs the main airports will be equipped - Praha-Ruzyn ě, Brno, Karlovy Vary, Pardubice, Ostrava and České Bud ějovice.
B. Strategy objective for launching of the IT systems for consular offices Significant objectives of the consular service include improvement of the computer system for processing visas, introduction of new technology in the area of IT and meeting the requirements emerging from the relevant decisions of Union institutions in the area of visas including the relevant timetable. The most important task is the development and installation of the Visa Information System. A very complex and extensive task is connected with launch of the VIS – DM will have to start capturing of biometric data on applicants when collecting visa applications and input these data, including alphanumeric data into the VIS central database. This refers to the operational objective 3 and 4.
Examples of key actions to be supported under the priority:
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- Investment into VIS HW and SW - 216 PC stations DELL 755 in total (212 to be connected to VIS + approx. 4 PC stations for testing), 2 application servers, 2 database servers - Investment into the technical equipment for detecting biometric data for handling visa applications - 212Visa sticker printers Canon PIXMA iP4500, 212 Laser printers Canon LBP2900B, 212 Scanners Canon CanoScan LiDE 90, 212 Biometrics Cross Match L SCAN GUARDIAN, 212 Passport readers CBN or Vicomp VPR-600e - Output indicators – purchase of HW and SW - Result indicators – increasing the effectiveness and security of the visa granting system.
Programming period concerned The technical equipment is to be purchased according to the VIS timetable, so that all Dm are equipped according to the roll out phases.
The actual project solution of VIS was divided into seven phases: Phase I analysis of the requirements on the VIS-MoFA and system proposal -1.12.2008 Phase II system development and testing – 29.12.2008 Phase III integration of the system with the central VIS - 1.2.2009 Phase IV system pilot operation – 1.3.2009 Phase V test operation of the system with live data prior to rollout – 1.5.2009 Phase VI rollout of the system managed by the VIS EU project management – 31.5.2009 – operation of the VIS at individual DM according to the following deadlines:
1. rollout phase - from 1.6.2009 to 31.8.2009 – DM CR in North Africa, installation of about 7 offices 2. rollout phase - from 1.9.2009 to 28.2.2010 – DM CR in Near East and Africa, installation of about 15 offices 3. rollout phase – from 1.3.2010 to 30.11.2010 – DM CR in the Balkans, Asia and South America, installation of about 70 workstations 4. rollout phase – from 1.12.2010 to 31.5.2011 – DM CR in Europe, North America, Australia, Russia and China, installation of more than 100 workstations. Phase VII acceptance of the administrative winding-up of the project.
C. Strategy objective: Exchange of know-how of the SIRENE operators Support for a smooth use of SIS II by SIRENE operators, enhanced qualification of SIRENE staff in international exchange of information, accompanied by testing on preparedness of staff to operate SIS II. This concerns the operational objective 4.
Examples of key actions to be supported under the priority: - the Czech Republic will host the Heads of SIRENE meeting in Prague in the first half of 2009 where practical experience on SIS use will be shared and discussed. The event will be reflecting the state of play of SIS project and will follow with the SIS II testing phase as well
52 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic as the SIRENE tests. The participants from all Member states (128) will be besides other issues trained on SIS II functionalities, foreign lecturers (4) will be invited to participate in the event. Total budget of the event is 776 800 CZE.
- Output indicators: participation of 30 Member States - Result indicators: increasing the awareness of the participants on functionalities of SIS II, enhanced methods of police cooperation. Programming period concerned The action will be carried out in the annual programme 2008.
3.4 Priority 5 Support for effective and efficient application of relevant Community legal instruments in the field of external borders and visas, in particular the Schengen Borders Code and the European Code on Visas
A. Strategy objective: Setting up and carrying out a training programme for officers of the Czech Police carrying out border control activities. Support for the training of officers of the Czech Police for quality and effective control at external borders of the Schengen area, training of liaison officers and document advisors. This refers to the operational objectives 2 and 6. Examples of key actions to be supported under the priority:
- Aliens issue
Improvement of the teaching infrastructure of the immigration police specialisation. Alien Police Service continue to play an important role in border control at international airports. In terms of training objective is which are given in the current FTP and CCC – module for their borders and modular conception of the Professional College, it is necessary to construct a corresponding training centre where students will learn to meet these objectives in the scope of model situations. Similarly it is necessary to modernise the current centres for detection of forged and altered documents with new technologies. In the scope of international cooperation it is necessary to ensure the exchange of information between departmental schools are in other European Union Member States and in the CR, including expert instructors.
- Information and computer issue
Development and improvement of work with police information systems (investment into technical teaching equipment for work with SIS and EURODAC). Furthermore, this concerns construction of training versions of information systems connected with protection of external Schengen borders to be used in the scope of basic professional training and specialised courses. For international cooperation it is also necessary to ensure change of information between departmental schools in other European Union Member State and the MoI SPS in Holešov.
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- Language issue
Investment into language instruction needs to be implemented chiefly for the professional language level required at an international airport (chiefly English). This particularly concerns investment into modern computer equipment, interactive didactic resources and inclusion of foreign teachers into training both in the scope of basic professional training and specialised courses.
- Issue of cross-curricular relationships
Professional subject divisions other than the alien and border service subject division play a role in teaching Schengen border protection. As has been already mentioned, these are, for example, the subject divisions of special preparation, criminology, law etc., which participate in the training process of the immigration specialisation in scope of basic professional training, specialised courses and Professional College. In the following years it is necessary to invest financial resources into the development of modern didactic technique, purchase of suitable technical resources for instruction, use of international cooperation and – as stated above even at the mentioned divisions.
- Logistics
It is necessary to take account of investment connected with modernisation of buildings serving for the preparation of teachers for lessons. This concerns particularly construction of an adequate logistical base where teachers will be equipped with modern classrooms and technical aids, literature etc. (furthermore, for example, modernisation of building serving for self-study of students studying for immigration service so that they can use the modern school base for self-study).
- Improvement of workplaces for training police, purchase of HW and SW for continuous training of police, implementation of special training of liaison officers
- Output indicator: increase of the number and scope of police and liaison officer training, improvement of the teaching structure and didactic aids - Result indicator: number of trained police, liaison officers
Programming period concerned The actions relating to this objective will be implemented throughout the multi-annual programming period in various extent with focus on purchasing equipment in the AP 20007, 2008, 2009. Further on, investments will aim at modernisation of the then outdated equipment, projects on international exchange of know-how etc.
B. Strategy objective: Setting up and carrying out a training programme for consular staff handling visa applications from third-country nationals As indicated above under operational objective 6, priority tasks of the consular service include improvement of the quality of the system of training consular workers. Improvement of this system can be achieved by creating a specialised training centre for consular and visa
54 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic workers. It is proposed that the centre be set up at the MoFA diplomatic Academy. Simultaneously it seems necessary to create a training module with a set structure and syllabi.
A component of the training centre would also be creation of a model consular and visa office which would faithfully simulate the situation at a DM consular section, including equipping with generally used regulations, aids, printed matter and computer programmes.
The centre would be used in the scope of a fixed two-week training module as part of preparation prior to dispatch of workers sent out for long periods, which could be repeated about five times a year. Simultaneously the centre would serve operationally according to the requirements of the Consular Department for training short-term assistants and ongoing training of primary consular department workers.
After assessing the needs and possibilities of the MoFA it seems best at the start for the length of the training module to be 10 working days.
Examples of actions to be supported under the priority: - Creation of a specialised training centre for consular and visa workers - Creation of a training module with a fixed structure and curricula, including equipping with generally used regulations, aids, printed matter and computer programmes, in accordance with the description provided in chapter 2. - Output indicators: creation of a training centre, creation of a training module, procurement of equipment and aids - Result indicators: number of trained consular and visa staff
Programming period concerned The actions relating to this objective will be implemented throughout the multi-annual programming period. Main investments are connected with preparation of the module and creation of the specialized training centre, that is AP 2007, 2008.
4. COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER INSTRUMENTS
4.1 Border control
Setting up or modernisation of operative equipment serving for control of the external borders allows the coordination of the activity of all national bodies performing control of external borders. This equipment will be compatible with the equipment of other Member States, with which it will be able to exchange information and will take account of the results of the common integrated analysis of risks. A significant part of activity in the section of international cooperation will continue to be for some of tasks emerging from the representation of the immigration police service in working groups of the European Council (SCIFA/Mixed Committee, Borders, Visas, CIREFI, Migration and expulsion, Borders/False documents) and working committees of the European Commission (Eurodac, SIS II and VIS Committee, Common Visa Format Committee), or participation in joint operations and pilot projects of the Frontex Agency.
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All these measures are directed at progressive fulfilment of the Plan for the management of the external borders, adopted by the EU Council in 2002 and Decision No 574/2007/EC.
Complementarity of actions In the scope of the issue of external border protection proposed actions cofinanced from the External Border Fund will be supplemented by an action aimed at increasing the speed and clearance of passengers at international airports (e-Gate), which will be cofinanced from the EU structural funds. The abovementioned actions are in their character specific and thus there is not duplicity of EU funding.
4.2 Visa policy and consular cooperation
The proposal to create a training centre is fully in line with the Schengen catalogue of recommendations – best practice, which handles this area in the section Training and professional preparation.
The intention to create the Visa Information System (VIS) is fully in line with the intention of Union institutions. The necessary legal framework for starting work on this project is contained in Council Regulation (EC) No 2004/512 of 08.06.2004. The intention to increase the security of the consular visa sections of DM is in line with the conclusions of the Schengen evaluations.
4.3 Training of workers The plan for the development of the MoI SPS in Holešov is focused on fulfilment of the priorities of the Common Core Curriculum – particularly the module for the air border with the objective of creating a modern didactic system fulfilling the strategy of teaching associated with the immigration police issue focused on the protection of the external Schengen borders. The MoI SPS in Holešov is working closely with the PCR DAPS, Police Presidium and Education and Training Administration Department of the Ministry of Interior. This approach guarantees the cohesion of training programmes with the needs of police work. The content of CCC modules approved by the Frontex Agency was included in the training in the aliens issue.
4.4 Overview of activities in the CR funded under PHARE/Transition facility The relevant authorities taking part in border control in the Czech Republic were involved in the following projects that were aimed on preparation for accession of the CR to the EU:
PHARE PROJECTS Development of Border Control and Proceedings in the Area of Migration and Asylum (2003- 2004). Directorate of Alien and Border Police Service together with Department for Asylum and Migration Policies implemented the project. The total budget was 0.65 million EUR.
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Schengen Information System and Border Control (2003). Department for Asylum and Migration Policies, Criminal and Public Order Police Services were implemented the project. The total budget was 5.8 million EUR. Mostly technical equipment was purchased under this project.
Enhancement of Border Control (2003-2005). Directorate of Alien and Border Police Service together with Department for Asylum and Migration Policies implemented the project that provided the Alien and Border Police Service with various equipment (mobile thermo vision, thermo cameras, audiovisual equipment). The total budget was 6.85 million EUR.
OTHER Twinning Project on Combating Human Trade (2003-2005). Security Policy Department implemented the project in cooperation with Directorate of Alien and Border Police Service, Crime Prevention Department, Ministry of Justice and State Prosecutor. Representatives of the relevant authorities were trained and equipment for Police was purchased.
Transition Facility – Strengthening of Air Borders (2005). Training on profiling and interviewing was implemented by Directorate of Alien Police Service. The total budget was 165 000 EUR.
Norwegian Financial Mechanism – Establishment of SIRENE Bureau (2008). Police Presidium, Department for International Police Cooperation is implementing the project. The total budget is 515 000 EUR.
The proposed actions co-financed by the External Borders Fund will be complemented by an action targeting an increase in the speed and security of passenger handling at international airports (5 main) – Project e-Gate, which will be co-financed by the EU Structural Funds. The Directorate of Alien Police Service is implementing the project. The outcome of the project will be an automated system for handling passengers on non-Schengen flights, holders of e- passport. The project will be implemented in the years 2008-2010. The total budget of the project is 6.6 million EUR.
4.5 Coordination and complementarity
In order to make sure that the projects of the action concerned do not overlap with other Community instruments, the responsible body will be consistently examining possible individual overlaps of the presented project with other Community funds (for example, in relation to the Structural Funds) when carrying out the formal and factual review of the projects during the assessment process. If an overlap is discovered, the MOI will enter into negotiations in the matter of the project with the specific responsible body and such a project will be excluded and will not be implemented under the EBF. The MOI will also take administrative measures (for example, the project application will include a question on whether funds from the EU are not going to be used for the same project), in order to rule out the possibility of the overlap of the EBF projects and their duplicate funding within the Community funds. In such a case, the project would not be supported. The responsible body will also take other legal, organizational and checking measure in order to exclude duplicity in funding – the obligation to draw only from one EU source will be
57 MULTI-ANNUAL PROGRAMME 2007 – 2013 External Borders Fund – the Czech Republic included in the contract to be entered into with the implementer of the project. The responsible body will be continually checking on the compliance with this obligation according to a pre-defined factual and time schedule and if there is any suspicion of breach of the obligation, it will take the necessary measures.
5. FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY
5.1 Publication of the programme After approval by the European Commission the multi-annual programme will be published on the website of Ministry of Interior (www.mvcr.cz). Financing from the External Border Fund will be clearly visible for all activities connected with activities financed in the scope of the programme.
5.2 The approach chosen to implement the principle of partnership The responsible body that manages development of multi-annual programmes organized several meetings in 2007 with the involved departments. Prior to the first meeting a request for nomination of the contact person for the issues of EBF was circulated. Besides of the Department for Asylum and Migration Policy of the MoI, representatives from Directorate of Alien Police Service, Police Presidium, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Police High School Holešov and airport operators participated actively in the meetings where priorities and aims of the EBF in the period 2007-2013 were discussed. Regarding the partnership principle, those departments that are responsible for the implementation of measures related to the EBF participated in the development of the multi- annual programme and annual programmes for 2007, 2008. The cooperation will continue on regular basis – within the ad hoc established working party involving the respective departments.
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6. INDICATIVE FINANCING PLAN
6.1 Community Contribution 6.1.1 Table
Multi-annual Programme – Draft Financial Plan Table No. 1: Community Contribution Member State: Czech Republic Fund: External Borders Fund 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Priority 1 52 500,00 685 000,00 800 000,00 0,00 470 000,00 1 300 000,00 Priority 2 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 Priority 3 120 000,00 175 000,00 185 200,00 185 200,00 190 000,00 190 000,00
Priority 4 1 425 000,00 674 238,85 832 811,00 1 698 840,00 1 794 720,00 2 087 880,00 Priority 5 207 613,72 125000,00 186 829,00 187 760,00 210 000,00 235 000,00 Technical assistance 168 000,00 154 000,00 183 160,00 188 200,00 142 280,00 190 120,00
TOTAL 1 973 113,72 1 813 238,85 2 188 000,00 2 260 000,00 2 807 000,00 4 003 000,00
6.1.2 Comments on the figures/trends
To set the allocations for individual priorities we have followed the requirements of the departments that participated in the development of the multi-annual programme. These departments are responsible for the issues materially incorporated in the functions of the competent to decide which area should get the biggest support. Following these financial requirement, and following preliminary allocations set by the European Commission for the whole period 2007 - 2013 the reso urces were proportionally divided among individual priorities. allocations of individual priorities proportionally grow depending on the growth of allocation granted by the Commission.
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6.2 Overall financing plan
6.2.1 Table
Multi-annual Programme – Draft Financial Plan Table No. 2: Overall financial plan (including the technical assistance) Member State: the Czech Republic Fund: External Borders Fund 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Community contribution 1 973 113,72 1 813 238,85 2 188 000,00 2 260 000,00 2 807 000,00 4 003 000,00 Public co-financing 601 704,57 553 079,62 668 280,00 690 600,00 888 240,00 1 270 960,00 Private co-financing
TOTAL 2 574 818,29 2 366 318,47 2 856 280,00 2 950 600,00 3 695 240,00 5 273 960,00 Community contribution % 76,63% 76,63% 76,60% 76,59% 75,96%
Multi-annual programme – draft financial plan Table No. 3: Overall financial plan (excluding the technical assistance) Member State: the Czech Republic Fund: External Borders Fund 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Community contribution 1 805 113,72 1 659 238,85 2 004 840,00 2 071 800,00 2 664 720,00 3 812 880,00 Public co-financing 601 704,57 553 079,62 668 280,00 690 600,00 888 240,00 1 270 960,00 Private co-financing
TOTAL 2 406 818,29 2 212 318,47 2 673 120,00 2 762 400,00 3 552 960,00 5 083 840,00 Community contribution % 75,00% 75,00% 75,00% 75,00% 75,00%
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6.2.2 Notes on the figures / trends Table No. 2 represents the overall financing plan including the technical assistance, and for this reason the Communit planned resources ratio (including co-financing) can't be 75%, but 76.85%. Table No. 3 represents overall financial plan for individual projects, i.e. excluding technical assistance assigned for the responsible body. The ratio of total planned resources for the projects to the Communities contribution is 75%.
The amount of allocations for annual programmes 2007 to 2013 is an indicative estimation of the EC provided to of preparation of the multi-annual programme 2007 – 2013. Every annual allocation shall be received by a single depend on the changing situation in the field of external borders and the resulting changes of the statistical annual allocations pursuant to risk analysis provided by the Frontex agency. In compliance with the rules concerning the amount of the Community contribution (Art. 16 par. 4 of Decision 574/2007/EC) the CR shall ensure 25% from the amount programme from the state budget of the CR. Resources of the national co-financing shall be budgeted within the MoI for particular budget year. Due to time shift of the beginning of the implementation of the annual programme 2007 the national co financing of the annual programme 2007 shall be ensured from the state budget of the SR for the year 2008. Financing of activities within annual programmes of the multi-annual programme shall be ensured in the amount of 75% of eligible expenses from the resources of the External Borders Fund and in the amount of 25% of eligible expenses from the resources of the state budget of the C the expenses for activities of technical assistance shall be financed up to the amount of 100% of resources of the Externa
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7. ABBREVIATIONS
ABPS Alien and Border Police Service (former name) ACT Centre for Border Guard Training APS Alien Police Service BPT basic professional training CCI Common Consular Instructions CD Department for Consular Tasks (Consular Department) CIS or AIS Alien Information System CIS-ENO Alien Information System - Register of Undesirable Persons CPIS Criminal Police and Investigation Service C.SIS Schengen information system „Central section“ CS-VIS Visa information system “Central section” CZK Czech crown DAPS Directorate of Alien Police Service DM diplomatic missions DOTAZY (QUERIES) information system EC European Communities EU European Union EVC database of third country nationals submitted to the visa obligation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs EVIC 2 database of third country nationals submitted to the visa obligation at the Directorate of Alien Police Service FADO False and Authentic Documents Online ICTD Informatics and Computer Technology Department MOI CR Ministry of Interior MoFA CR/MFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs MVP/RVH the system Modernisation of the Visa Process / Records of Visa Holders VISION Visa Inquiry Open-Border Network VIS Visa information system
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