This report outlines the findings of the Training Needs Assessment (TNA) conducted by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) each year. It consolidates feedback from internal entities and EU Member States/SAC / cooperative EU agencies to identify training priorities and optimize the use of resources.
The document delivers a comprehensive view of requested courses, new training proposals, and data-driven recommendations for the development of the Annual Training Plan. It emphasizes a transparent and strategic approach to addressing operational needs through structured training offers.

Contact: HoU.Academy@frontex.europa.eu 

The EBCG Training Catalogue indicates the learning services that will be developed and delivered during the current year  and, depending on the needs identified , eligible to be delivered also during the following year.

Contact: HoU.Academy@frontex.europa.eu 

The CRI booklet aims to raise knowledge and awareness amongst border guard officers and participants of Frontex operational activities to potentially identify “known” Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF) through crosschecks with the relevant databases. Nonetheless, the CRI booklet mainly aims to support the identification of the “unknowns”, i.e., whose details are not registered in the Schengen Information System (SIS) or other databases by referring suspects or “subjects of interest” for more detailed checks. Additionally, the booklet aims at keeping awareness on an increasing hybrid nature of the security threats. 

Link: CRI_EN.pdf (europa.eu)

The Handbook on Firearms for Border Guards and Customs is developed to support border guards/police and customs officers with their daily duties at the border and thus improve detections of firearms, its parts and ammunition in respect to passengers, means of transportation and belongings. Moreover, the Handbook allows to better profile the control measures and increase awareness on modalities of arms trafficking with a focus on smuggling methods. One of the objectives is also to provide guidelines on security measures that should be undertaken by the officers when securing and handling the firearms and ammunition detected at the borders.

Contact: HoS.LES@frontex.europa.eu ; firearms@frontex.europa.eu 

The Handbook on Boarding in Frontex Coordinated Joint Maritime Operations: Best Practices & Guidelines sets out good or best practices in the practical conduct of boarding during the Frontex coordinated operational activities where migrant smuggling, drugs smuggling and other cross-border crime can be countered and what might lead to the boarding operations. 

Link: Handbook on Boarding in Frontex Coordinated Joint Maritime Operations Best Practices & Guidelines.pdf (europa.eu)

More emphasis is to be put on victims of trafficking arriving at the external borders as well as on increasing the likelihood of participants to identify potential cases of THB. The Handbook is developed to support participants in the early identification of victims of THB of respective nationalities and perpetrators crossing an external border together with the victims, as well as to provide an overview of the trafficking processes, including information on the recruitment of victims, the modi operandi of the criminal networks, and the victims’ situations.  

VEGA Handbook at  sea borders include best practices and recommendations provided by MS and other experts aimed at providing border guards with practical information and guidelines to enhance the identification and subsequent protection of children at risk of being trafficked or smuggled. The handbook also provide practical guidelines on how to interact with children during border checks. 

Contact: thb@frontex.europa.eu 

Link: VEGA Handbook: Children at sea borders (europa.eu)