The Kick-off meeting of EASTEAMS (European Actions Strengthening Teams Establishment Against Migrant Smuggling) was successfully held on September 26, 2023, in Athens, at the premises of the Center for Security Studies (KEMEA) of the Ministry of Citizen Protection, with KEMEA actively participate once again with its know-how and expertise in the project’s implementation, coordinated by the Hellenic Police.
The role of KEMEA in the Action, during the proposal submission preparation phase and the implementation phase, was and continues to be pivotal. Initially, a Research team of KE.ME.A inspired and drafted a proposal for receiving funding in the call ISF-2022-TF1-AG-COP (Common Operational Partnerships to prevent and fight against migrant smuggling with competent authorities of third countries) of the European Commission, which was submitted by Hellenic Police, with the assignment of delivering a significant amount of work to KE.ME.A., as the subcontractor of the project.
EASTEAMS is the first European Program of the Internal Security Fund of the European Union, which promotes direct cooperation with Asia, through the creation of a Common Operational Partnership (COP), between the competent Law Enforcement Authorities of Pakistan and the Destination EU Countries (Greece, Cyprus, France, Germany) and aims to prevent the illegal smuggling of migrants from the countries of Central and South Asia (Afghanistan, Pakistan) to the European Union while dismantling the involved transnational organized criminal networks and rackets that profit from this illegal activity.
The meeting was attended by members of the consortium and specifically, representatives from the Hellenic Police, the Greek Ministry of Justice, the French Ministry of Interior, the Cyprus Police as well as the Bavarian Academy of Applied Sciences of Public Administration and Legal Affairs.
Additionally, honorary quests and Officials from the Federal Investigation Agency of Pakistan, the Interpol, the UN/IOM, the EU Delegation in Pakistan, Police Liaison Officers , as well as the Project Officer of the EASTEAMS joined the meeting.
In the context of the project, the Hellenic Police has already concluded a cooperation agreement with the Federal Investigation Agency of Pakistan, ensuring their assistance in the processes that will follow throughout its duration. KEMEA actively engaged in the drafting of the MoU signed by both Parties.
At the meeting, the project was presented and the actions that will be followed for its successful implementation were analyzed.
We would like to thank everyone, the participants, the keynote speakers, and our guests of honor as they were all an important part of this successful event.
This project has received funding from the EU’s ISF-2022 program
5 Partners, 4 Countries Greece Cyprus France Germany
1 Goal: To prevent the illegal smuggling of migrants coming from Asia
