On April 14, 2025, Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) officially started the European Joint Master’s in Strategic Border Management (EJMSBM), a new EU-funded academic programme developed in cooperation with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. The programme is designed to train mid- and senior-level border security officers from the EU and Schengen Associated Countries, aiming to enhance leadership, strategic planning, and cross-border cooperation.
The EJMSBM combines academic knowledge, practical training, and international mobility, focusing on leadership, value-based decision-making, and readiness for international operations. It is supported by a consortium of universities and institutions, including the Netherlands Defence Academy, University of Salamanca, Riga Technical University, and the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, with additional contributions from experts across Europe.
During the launch event, MRU Rector Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė emphasized the programme’s strategic importance for European security and unity, calling it “a strategic investment in a safer Europe.” Dr. Marta Biernath from Frontex highlighted the role of harmonized, high-standard training in improving joint operational effectiveness.
The Vice Minister of the Interior, Gintaras Aliksandravičius, underscored the program’s relevance amid modern threats such as irregular migration and cybersecurity risks, affirming Lithuania’s commitment to leadership in border security training.
The launch also marked the beginning of the first study module, “Strategy, Planning and Evaluation in Border Security,” which includes classroom sessions, field visits to border crossing points with Belarus, and practical workshops. The module is attended by 27 officers from EU and Schengen countries and is led by an international team of instructors.
Deputy Commander of the State Border Guard Service, Saulius Nekraševičius, welcomed the opportunity to host the module in Lithuania, highlighting its contribution to trust-building and practical training for real-world border security challenges.
By the end of 2028, the EJMSBM programme aims to train up to 100 high-level border security officers, one from each EU and Schengen Associated Country.
Full articles about the Opening Ceremony can be found in MRU webpage and BNS news section.
For more photos of the Contact Week please visit Photo gallery.
