European Joint Master’s Programme in Strategic Border Management (EJMSBM) has been launched at Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) in Lithuania. The program, developed in cooperation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX), aims to train high-level border guarding managers from European Union (EU) member states and Schengen-associated countries.
In today’s complex geopolitical landscape – marked by hybrid threats, military tensions on the EU’s eastern front, migration challenges in the south, and a shifting security environment—effective border management requires strategic thinking, strong leadership, and coordinated international action.
“Considering Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, hybrid attacks on EU borders, and mounting migration pressure from the south, the need to reinforce EU border protection is undeniable. This program prepares leaders who can think strategically and act in coordination at the European level,” – says Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mantas Bileišis, Dean of MRU’s Public Security Academy.
About the Programme
The EJMSBM is a joint master’s degree program supported by the European Union through co-funding by FRONTEX. Its mission is to promote a common strategic approach to EU border and coast guard management. The program combines theoretical knowledge, practical training, and international mobility of students and teaching staff. It is designed for mid- and high-ranking officers with at least three years of experience in national border guard services.
From April 14 to 18, 2025, MRU will host the study week of the program’s Module 1 “Strategy, Planning, and Evaluation in Border Management.” The module will explore topics such as strategic planning, assessment, and EU border policies. It will bring together a team of international lecturers and 27 students from various EU member states and Schengen-associated countries. The agenda includes visits to the State Border Guard Service and EU external border checkpoints with Belarus, as well as practical case study workshops.
A Strong International Academic Network
The program is delivered by an international consortium that includes: Mykolas Romeris University (MRU); Netherlands Defence Academy; University of Salamanca (Spain); Riga Technical University (Latvia); Estonian Academy of Security Sciences. In addition, experts and researchers in border guarding from Belgium, Italy, Cyprus, Croatia, Germany, Poland, Austria, and Portugal contribute to the program.
Each iteration reserves at least one spot for a student from each EU member state and Schengen-associated country’s border and coast guard agency.
This wide-reaching collaboration ensures high academic standards, strengthens cross-border professional networks, and contributes actively to the common security goals of the European Union.
Lithuania's Role: Active and Visible
MRU is the only implementing institution in the Baltic region, positioning Lithuania as a key player in European security studies. The university is strengthening its leadership not only in generating academic knowledge but also in delivering real, practical value to the European community.
“We are proud to contribute to the professionalization and coordination of border protection in Europe. Only standing together are we strong. This is more than just an academic initiative - it is a shared investment in our collective security. By the end of 2028, in partnership with FRONTEX, we aim to graduate and award joint master’s degree up to 100 border guarding managers from every EU and Schengen-associated country,”– says Assoc. Prof. Dr. Inga Juknytė-Petreikienė, project leader for the implementation of EJMSBM.