The Finnish Border Guard to join the European gendarmerie cooperation
The Finnish Border Guard will initiate cooperation with the European Gendarmerie Force, EUROGENDFOR. This cooperation supports the establishment and maintenance of the Finnish Border Guard’s readiness and capabilities, as well as creates a new instrument, through which the Finnish Border Guard can receive international support in a serious border security disruption.
Gendarmerie refers to a militarily organised competent law enforcement authority, whose duties include internal security. These duties include, among others, border security, law enforcement and crime prevention. In addition, the gendarmerie has command of the competence, skills and tasks related to military duties.
The European Gendarmerie Force supports law enforcement
EUROGENDFOR is an organisation consisting of gendarmerie authorities in the European Union member states. Authorities who have joined the organisation are specialised in the operations of law enforcement authorities in normal conditions as well as during times of crisis. Its duties include, for instance, restoring overall security, maintenance of order, crime prevention and development of law enforcement authorities’ organisations in crisis areas.
From the Finnish Border Guard’s perspective, the gendarmerie cooperation offers several benefits. This cooperation brings Finland closer to Europe’s large member states in terms of security authorities’ functions. Furthermore, close cooperation may also enable rapid assistance to the Finnish Border Guard or other national authorities in a possible crisis situation.
Partner membership in processing
The Finnish Border Guard has met with central European authorities and gendarmerie forces. Based on received observations, the Finnish Border Guard has good qualifications for becoming a part of the EUROGENDFOR organisation. The Finnish Border Guard prepares for becoming a partner in the EUROGENDFOR organisation. Along with becoming a partner, the Finnish Border Guard can participate in EUROGENDFOR’s training sessions and development work, information exchange, as well as possible international operations. The Finnish Border Guard also prepares for sending a liaison officer to EUROGENDFOR’s headquarters in Vicenza, Italy.
Finland’s border surveillance and military defence will remain unchanged
Development of the gendarmerie cooperation does not affect the Finnish Border Guard’s military defence duties or the development of the Finnish Border Guard’s functions as part of the national defence system. The gendarmerie cooperation enables the development of international training and exercise cooperation within border security concerning the Finnish Border Guard’s operations both on land, at sea and in the air. Through this we can also further the understanding of the security environment. The cooperation develops those capabilities of the Finnish Border Guard that will remain as the Finnish Border Guard’s responsibility in all conditions, and the effective implementation of these capabilities creates facilities to ensure the critical functions of our society as well as an operational defence system.
Further information:
The European Gendarmerie Force is a multinational police force with military status to provide police capabilities in crisis management operations.
