As part of the European Joint Master in Strategic Border Management (EJMSBM), students completed Module 9: Cooperation in Strategic Border Management from January 12 to 23, 2026, in Algeciras, Spain. This module aimed to strengthen participants’ ability to critically evaluate cross-border cooperation and apply strategic thinking to complex border management challenges.
The two-week programme combined interactive lectures, workshops, and scenario-based exercises with extensive field visits, providing hands-on exposure to operational realities. Students visited Algeciras Port, one of Europe’s busiest ports, where they observed customs procedures, risk analysis, and border control operations. The National Police of Spain provided detailed presentations and guided tours of their facilities, allowing students to learn about inter-agency coordination and international cooperation strategies.
The field visit continued in Ceuta, the Spanish enclave on the North African coast, offering insights into migration management, multi-agency cooperation, and the unique geopolitical and operational challenges of the region. The trip concluded at the Morocco border, where students studied real-world collaboration between neighboring countries and explored practical approaches to cross-border security.
Throughout the module, students engaged in peer-to-peer learning, reflecting on previous modules and applying their knowledge to practical case studies. Field experts shared their experience, and experiential exercises enabled participants to develop strategies for improving cross-border investigations, enhancing cooperation, and navigating multicultural and multidisciplinary operational environments.
By the end of Module 9, EJMSBM students were able to critically assess EU, international, and national cooperation mechanisms, identify barriers and solutions for effective collaboration, and propose practical measures to strengthen border management. This immersive module combined strategic insight with operational experience, preparing future leaders to address the complex challenges of modern European border security.
