(Report set out in Article 52(2) (b) of Decision No 574/2007/EC) Sweden

Transcription

1 Dnr: A /12 EX-POST EVALUATION REPORT ON THE RESULTS AND IMPACTS OF ACTIONS CO-FINANCED BY THE EXTERNAL BORDERS FUND ANNUAL PROGRAMMES 2007 TO (Report set out in Article 52(2) (b) of Decision No 574/2007/EC) Sweden Responsible Authority: Swedish National Police Board/ National Bureau of Investigation

2 EX-POST EVALUATION REPORT ON THE RESULTS AND IMPACTS OF ACTIONS CO-FINANCED BY THE EXTERNAL BORDERS FUND ANNUAL PROGRAMMES 2007 TO (Report set out in Article 52(2) (b) of Decision No 574/2007/EC) Report submitted by the Responsible Authority of: Sweden Date: Name, Signature (authorised representative of the Responsible Authority): Klas Friberg, Commissioner, Head of the National Bureau of Investigation Name of the contact person (and contact details) for this report in the Member State: Ylva Gårdhagen National Coordinator EBF The National Police Board National Bureau of Investigation Central Border Management Division Telephone Important remark This evaluation is to be performed by 1. staff with evaluation expertise within the Responsible or Delegated Authorities 2. a dedicated evaluation department within the national administration 3. external evaluation expert 4. or a combination thereof. OR This evaluation is to be carried out by the Responsible or Delegated Authority and then reviewed by 1. a dedicated evaluation department within the national administration 2. external evaluation expert 3. or a combination thereof. All options can be supported by the technical assistance. 2

3 GENERAL INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED BY THE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY ON EVALUATION EXPERTISE AND ON METHODOLOGY - Did you have recourse to evaluation expertise to prepare this report? Yes. - If yes, for what part(s) of this report? The Responsible Authority has prepared the report with support from the evaluation department within the National Police Board. The evaluation department has had an advisory role and has provided expert knowledge, but it is staff of the Responsible Authority that have collected data and written the report. - Please explain what kind of evaluation expertise you had recourse to: * In-house evaluation expertise (for instance, Evaluation department of the Ministry, etc.) : (please describe) Senior staff of the evaluation department within the National Police Board, which is the supervising central administrative authority for the Swedish Police, has supported the Responsible Authority in discussions and in developing the questionnaire which was distributed to and collected from the different police authorities as well as the Migration Board, the Coast Guard, the Customs, the audit authority, the certifying authority and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The National Police Board is the link between the government and the police authorities. In other words, the Board is an administrative body to the government as well as a service body to the police organisation. The main task of the National Police Board is, in short, to create the best possible conditions in a short-term and a long-term perspective for good and efficient police work. 3

4 EX-POST EVALUATION REPORT ON THE RESULTS AND IMPACTS OF ACTIONS CO-FINANCED BY THE EXTERNAL BORDERS FUND ANNUAL PROGRAMMES 2008 TO CONTENTS INTRODUCTION - DATA COLLECTION AND EVALUATION FRAMEWORK PUT IN PLACE IN YOUR COUNTRY... 5 PART I NATIONAL CONTEXT IN WHICH THE FUND WAS IMPLEMENTED SECURING CO-FINANCING AND INVESTMENTS IN THE FIELD... 6 PART II REPORTING ON IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMMES IN THE AWARDING BODY METHOD (IF APPLICABLE) IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMMES IN THE EXECUTING BODY METHOD PROGRAMME REVISIONS USE OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (TA) QUALITATIVE OPINION ON THE OVERALL IMPLEMENTATION SET-UP PART III REPORTING ON ACHIEVEMENTS BORDER MANAGEMENT VISA POLICY AND MANAGEMENT OF MIGRATION FLOWS ABROAD DEVELOPMENT OF IT SYSTEMS SUPPORTING BORDER MANAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF MIGRATION FLOWS TRAINING, RISK ANALYSIS AND STRATEGY SUPPORT OVERALL RESULTS ACHIEVED WITH THE FUND'S INTERVENTION CASE STUDIES/BEST PRACTICES LESSONS LEARNED PART IV OVERALL ASSESSMENT - IMPACT AND LOOKING TO THE FUTURE ANALYSIS ON THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MIGRATION FLOWS ADDED VALUE AND IMPACT RELEVANCE OF THE PROGRAMMES' PRIORITIES AND ACTIONS TO THE NATIONAL SITUATION EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROGRAMME EFFICIENCY OF THE PROGRAMME COMPLEMENTARITY

5 INTRODUCTION - DATA COLLECTION AND EVALUATION FRAMEWORK PUT IN PLACE IN YOUR COUNTRY 0.1. Please present an overview of the evaluation system set up as part of the implementation of the External Borders Fund. What information is required from the final beneficiaries on the progress and final results of the project and how is it assessed? The RA has set up a reporting system that helps the RA to compile final reports to the Commission and to develop evaluation reports such as this one. All final beneficiaries report to the RA in progress reports and final reports as well as in applications for payments. The progress and final reports describe the activities of the projects, results, etc. The applications for payments represent the financial reporting. Projects must send all financial data to the RA and all projects must report on objectives, indicators and results in relation to what was agreed upon in the project agreement signed between the RA and each project. All reports are assessed by the RA. The RA must approve the reports before any payments can be made Please provide also information on any specific / additional data collection methodology used for this report. Assisted by senior staff at the evaluation department of the National Police Board, the RA has designed a questionnaire based on the Evaluation Report template provided by the Commission. The questionnaire was sent out to the 21 police authorities, the Migration Board, Customs, the Coast Guard, the audit authority, the certifying authority and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The filled-in questionnaires were returned to the RA and followed up mainly over telephone, as and when necessary. 5

6 PART I NATIONAL CONTEXT IN WHICH THE FUND WAS IMPLEMENTED 1.1. SECURING CO-FINANCING AND INVESTMENTS IN THE FIELD Within the national budgetary framework, how do you secure the national resources available for national and private co-financing for the Fund? What was the approach for the annual programmes? Do you envisage changes for the future? All projects implemented within the EBF in Sweden are implemented in the executing body mode and are financed through EU funding and through national co-financing from the State budget. The selection method used includes a call for interest in order to prepare for each annual programme. In the call for interest, ministries and authorities send project proposals to the RA. All proposals are presented in accordance with set templates, i.e. one project description and one project budget, and submitted in signed original. In its proposal, the potential beneficiary must certify that it has the national co-financing available in its budget. This fact is also stated in the agreement signed by the beneficiary and by the RA. No changes are envisaged What investments did you undertake at national level in the field of external borders management and visa policy? The column referred to as Other in the three tables below include expenditure for training of staff in the relevant field. As regards Table No. 3, IT systems, column SIS, the expenditure provided is related to the development of SIS II. The Migration Board is responsible for development of the national components of VIS and for making the system available to and usable for staff at the Swedish foreign missions central. Moreover, the Migration Board is in charge of the VIS roll-out. Border Management Table n 1: Infrastructure and equipment Staff Other Total 2007 total total total total total total (as planned) 2012 total for first half year

7 Visa Policy Table n 2: Infrastructure and equipment at visa sections Staff at visa sections and headquarters Other Total 2007 total total total total total total (as planned) 2012 total for first half year IT Systems Table n 3: 2007 total VIS (total investments/all authorities) SIS (total investments/all authorities) Total total total total total total (as planned) 2012 total for first half year Other, if applicable: N/A Table n total. Total 2008 total 2009 total total 2011 total 2012 total (as planned) 2012 total for first half year Do the above tables include all your expenditure in the field of borders, visa and IT systems? If not, what is excluded / not properly taken into account? The RA has included expenditure as reported from the potential beneficiaries of the EBF only, e.g. any expenditures incurred by airport owners in relation to the operation and 7

8 maintenance of the airports, are not included. Moreover, we have not included expenditure related to renting of office space and utilities Please indicate an estimate of the share of the contribution from the Fund (% of all) in relationship to the total national expenditure in the area of intervention by field (border management, visa policy, IT systems) and the total. Border management: 1% Visa policy: 1% IT systems: 12% TOTAL: 2% Please outline briefly any important national developments in border and visa management since the approval of the multi-annual programme which are having an impact on the operations undertaken by authorities receiving funding under the External Borders Fund (including legislative changes, administrative and operational measures, changes in the institutional set-up, changes in response to changes in the size of the flows to be managed, the number of border crossing points or consulates etc). See also section 4.0 on the flows. When describing the above, please provide the following data: - Number of border crossing points under the Schengen Borders Code (136) - Number of consular posts in accordance with the Visa Code (94) - Estimate(s) of number(s) of travellers crossing external borders annually ( ) 2007= external maritime , airports = external maritime , airports = external maritime , airports = external maritime , airports = external maritime , airports Numbers of visa applications annually ( ) (2009= , 2011= ) - List of the main services implementing border control and visa policy (The Police, The Migration Board, The Coast Guard) Prior to year 2006 the responsibility for external border management was spread over different entities within the Police. As of year 2006 a pilot project was started within the National Bureau of Investigation with the aim to centralise and improve the efficiency of border management on national level. The pilot project resulted in the establishment of a new division starting January 2009, the Central Border Management Division, charged with the responsibility to create a unified and effective implementation of the rules regarding border control and other applicable legislation, and to coordinate, structure and draw up guidelines within the Alien s legislation, as well as to lead the methods development within the assignment. The cooperation with Frontex has been further developed through the Division with Sweden contributing with some 200 working weeks in various operations in Sweden also partakes in approximately 20 joint return operations annually. Moreover, a coordination and liaison team has been set up within the Division as a trial project with the task to retrieve travel documents from foreign missions for individuals being returned to their respective home countries. The Division has grown from 13 staff in 2006 to include a total staff of 26 in year

9 The Coast Guard conducts offshore border control in their everyday work either by boarding vessels or on demand through the control centres of the Coast Guard or the Police. A reorganization of the Coast Guard has recently taken place with four regions reduced to two in order to simplify and improve efficiency regarding internal communication and management. As border control falls also under the Coast Guard jurisdiction, the cadets receive training in border and document control, and as of 2012 the Coast Guard, as well as the Police and Customs, have access to an interactive web-based training programme addressing different issues related to border control and immigration law which was developed with EBF financial support in AP The programme is an addition to the regular training conducted at the Police Academy. The Migration Board was previously the authority in charge of visa practices in general as well as regards regulations concerning individual countries. Since the introduction of the visa code this is no longer a national issue. The visa code specifies the formal requirements on which the assessments of individuals or groups are based, resulting in a more harmonized practice among the MS. 9

10 PART II REPORTING ON IMPLEMENTATION 2.1. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMMES IN THE AWARDING BODY METHOD (IF APPLICABLE) N/A 2.2. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMMES IN THE EXECUTING BODY METHOD Description of the selection process under the "executing body method" According to what logic do you organise the selection process under the executing body method? The selection process begins with a call for interest to which the RA invites relevant authorities and ministries to apply for funding. They fill in two templates, one for the description of the project and one for the budget. The proposals are then reviewed by staff at the RA. Eligible project proposals are presented to an Expert Group, consisting of representatives from the RA partnership authorities. They help the RA to review the proposals and they suggest which projects to select. After that, the RA presents this suggestion to the Border Council, another part of the partnership, which consists of senior representatives from the partner authorities. They agree on the content of the annual programme, after which it is the responsibility of the RA to make decisions as regards individual projects. If you also select projects without a call for expression of interest or similar method, what are the reasons for using both such methods? N/A Proposals received, selected and funded after calls for expression of interest or similar selection method in the executing body method Table n 8 Number of Proposals received Programme 2007 Programme 2008 Programme 2009 Programme TOTAL Project selected Projects funded Out of which multiannual projects If not all projects were selected for funding after the calls, please explain the reasons why, per annual programme, where applicable: Annual Programme 2007: N/A Annual Programme 2008: N/A 10

11 Annual Programme 2009: Rejected due to faulty procurement procedure, and delays in implementation. Annual Programme : N/A Projects funded in the executing body method without a call for expression of interest or similar selection method N/A Table n 9 Number of Projects funded Out of which multiannual Programme 2007 Programme 2008 Programme 2009 Programme TOTAL Total number of projects funded in the executing body method in the programmes 2007, 2008, 2009 and Table n 10 Number of Projects funded after calls for expression of interest, or similar selection method (see table 8) Projects funded without such calls (see table 9) TOTAL Projects funded in the executing body method (including multi-annual) Co-financing Programme 2007 Programme 2008 Programme 2009 Programme TOTAL Please describe the procedures for verifying and ensuring the presence of co-financing by the final beneficiaries whose projects were selected. All projects implemented within the EBF in Sweden are implemented in the executing body mode and are financed through EU funding and through national co-financing from the State budget. In its proposal, the potential beneficiary must certify that it has the national cofinancing available in its budget. The RA never pre-finances projects. Every three months, the projects submit an application for payment. The RA verifies that the expenditure conforms to the approved budget and rules regarding eligible costs. The final beneficiary must always enclose copies of invoices with each payment request. In case of procurement of equipment, proof of receiving the equipment must be attached. The RA pays either 50% or 75% in each payment request, thereby making sure that the EBF support never exceeds the agreed percentage rate. 11

12 2.3. PROGRAMME REVISIONS Overview of revisions for annual programmes Table n 11 AP EU contribution allocated Was a revision concerning a change of more than 10% of the allocation needed? (Y/N) Percentage of allocation concerned by the revision, if a revision was needed AP ,41 N AP ,57 N AP Y 58 % AP Y 52 % In case a programme revision was necessary, please provide the main reasons. Please select one or more from the list below and provide a brief explanation, for the annual programme concerned Annual programme 2007 Financial change beyond 10% Changes in the substance/nature of the actions New action(s) needed Other (please explain) Explanation/elaboration: Annual programme 2008 Financial change beyond 10% Changes in the substance/nature of the actions New action(s) needed Other (please explain) Explanation/elaboration: Annual programme 2009 X Financial change beyond 10% Changes in the substance/nature of the actions X New action(s) needed Other (please explain) 12

13 Explanation/elaboration: The first version of the annual programme 2009 contained five actions. For various reasons, only one of them could be implemented. For the other four actions, projects were first selected but could not be implemented. Two projects were no longer considered a priority for the Police authority while the other two projects could not be finished within in the time limit of the annual programme. Therefore, most of the allocations had to be distributed to other projects. The new projects did not fit within the existing actions and therefore the programme was revised. Five new actions were included in the revised programme and the financial breakdown had to change significantly. Annual programme X Financial change beyond 10% Changes in the substance/nature of the actions X New action(s) needed All/part of the above Other (please explain) Explanation/elaboration: The first version of the annual programme included a substantial allocation of funds to the SIS II development, action 4. The project decided, however, in the end to apply for a much smaller amount from the EBF, hence the RA decided to revise the programme in order to be able re-allocate funds to include other, new action In case you revised the annual programme, was the revision useful? To what extent did it lead to a better consumption of the allocation? The revisions of the annual programmes 2009 and were very useful. Without the revisions, Sweden would have spent only a very limited amount of its allocation USE OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (TA) Allocation and consumption Table n 12 AP TA allocated ( ) TA consumed ( ) Total Table n 13 AP/Use of TA ( ) Staff within the RA, CA, AA (n / ) IT and equipme nt Office/ consumables Travelling/ events Monitoring, project management Reporting, translation Total 13

14 Did the TA support prove to be useful? For what was it most helpful? Would you have preferred that the TA allows for other elements to be funded as well and if so which ones? The TA support has been useful, although the small amount of TA distributed to the MS does not cover the costs for managing the Fund QUALITATIVE OPINION ON THE OVERALL IMPLEMENTATION SET-UP Has there been a review of the management and control systems at national level during the reporting period? In case any changes occurred, please briefly mention why they were needed and what they consisted of. Sweden has not revised the document describing the management and control system. A few minor changes have been made, and these have been communicated to the Commission in the annual programmes or in s. Since all changes have been minor, there has never been a need to revise the document To what extent were you legally or financially dependent on the approval of the Commission Decisions for launching the implementation of the annual programme? The decision to finance a project always includes a text that says that the decision is only binding subject to Commission approval of the annual programme. For that reason, decisions can be made before the formal approval of the annual programme. However, the RA usually waits for the first comments of the Commission before making any decisions, just to make sure that there are no major issues concerning the document What was the implementation rate by priority? (how much did you spend out of the amount you actually allocated?) Table n 14 Implementation rates by priority Priority 1 Priority 2 Priority 3 Priority 4 Priority 5 Total Total budge Total budge Total budget Total budget Total budge Total budget EU t (EU EU t (EU EU (EU EU (EU EU t (EU EU (EU cofin and cofin and cofin and cofin and cofin and cofin and nation nation nationa nation nation national al) al) l) al) al) ) AP AP AP AP *) % *) Note that as for AP, the figures are a preliminary estimate only as the final payments are not yet made Please fill in Annex 2 to this report. 14

15 In light of Annex 2, what is your overall assessment of the implementation of the External Borders Fund allocations in your Member State from 2007 to? Please choose among the options below: Not satisfactory X Satisfactory Good Very good Please explain your choice in relation to question : As regards AP 2007, only four actions within three different priorities were identified and implemented. All four were reasonably successful, although one project did not manage to finalise within the project period and was therefore unable to consume the allocated budget. Moreover, the epassport Readers Project learnt that the equipment needs were less than budgeted, and therefore consumed only part of its budget. As for 2008, only one action containing two projects were identified and implemented, both related to VIS development. The AP 2009 was revised due to the fact that all but one project application from the original AP were either withdrawn or delayed. Out of the revised AP 2009, three out of six projects were implemented and completed as per plan, while a fourth, under priority 2, was affected by technical construction problems. Two projects were affected by issues related to faulty procurement procedure and a general delay in implementation. The AP was revised due to the SIS II project which significantly reduced its budget in the final project application to the RA. Three new projects were added under priority 2 and 4 respectively, adding up to total of seven actions. Out of the seven actions there is a delay in implementation under priority 1, while the others are on track. 15

16 PART III REPORTING ON ACHIEVEMENTS 3.1. BORDER MANAGEMENT Priority 1 - Support for the further gradual establishment of the common integrated border management system as regards the checks on persons at and the surveillance of the external borders Priority 2 - Support for the development and implementation of the national components of European Surveillance System for the external Borders and of a permanent European Patrol network at the southern maritime borders of the EU Member States What were the results achieved through the projects implemented at the level of these priorities, grouped by action? Table n 15 (Please choose the outputs and results applicable, transfer to this page and complete the relevant categories listed in the table in annex 1) 1. Means of transport Number of means of transport acquired or upgraded Achieved Baseline Overall at through national APs level % of the fleet modernised out of the total After the intervention through the Fund 1.4. Boats % Note that the baseline is interpreted as boats used for external border control and surveillance only, i.e. excluding boats which are used sometimes for external border surveillance and sometimes for other purposes. As for the latter category of boats, it is not possible to extract data on time spent or number of patrol missions undertaken for external border surveillance only. 3. Operating equipment for border surveillance Achieved through APs Number of equipment acquired or upgraded Baseline Overall at national level % of equipment renewed out of the total equipment Baseli ne Achiev ed throug h APs Overall at national level Note that information on total number of equipment procured for border surveillance only is not available and therefore only equipment procured with support from the Fund is included. Category 4. Operating equipment for border checks Total 4.2. Documents verification Indicators OUTPUT RESULTS Number of equipment % of Border Crossing Points acquired or upgraded covered with modernised equipment Actually Baseline Overall at Achieved Baselin Overall at achieved national through e national through level APs level APs % 0 18% The result baseline is based on the notion that none of the BCPs had modern equipment by the end of

17 To what extent are the achievements of the annual programmes consistent with the initially set objectives in the multi-annual programme and in the annual programme in question? (Please detail) AP 2007 One project was planned and implemented in the AP 2007 under priority 1, procurement of epassport readers. The action was also included in the MAP. The objective to equip the external border crossing points with epassport readers has been met, resulting in e.g. improved detection of falsified travel documents. AP 2008 N/A AP 2009 The MAP and the AP 2009 included the objective to improve the capacity of the Coast Guard to improve its external border surveillance and control by procuring Rigid Inflatable Boats to be able to quickly move between various locations. One RIB was procured with support from the AP 2009, while the construction of a second one was delayed and instead included in the AP. AP Three actions were included under priorities 1 and 2 in the AP. One was the procurement of the second RIB for the use of the Coast Guard, originally planned for in the AP 2009, but instead implemented and finalised in AP. A second one was the procurement of six units of night vision goggles, also for the use of the Coast Guard. The third one was to support the Police in joining the UN organisation ICAO s Public Key Directory. By joining the ICAO PKD the Police would get access to other participating members keys in order to verify the authenticity of passports. The project, which has been delayed, included development of technical communication solutions as well as costs related to joining the register. All three actions were also identified in the MAP To what extent did the projects and the actions, through their results, contribute to improving overall border management in your country? In answering, please refer to the outputs and results at section above. By upgrading the operating equipment of the Police as well as the Coast Guard, the projects implemented have had a positive impact on the capacity of the authorities to improve both the surveillance and control of external borders. The two new boats, dedicated to surveillance of external borders only, plus the improved capacity and comfort of the boats have allowed the Coast Guard increased time spent patrolling the external border. The RIBs are not very demanding as it comes to number of staff, which is also another advantage compared to other types of boats. Moreover, the cooperation and exchange with Danish Customs and Police have increased. The Night Vision Goggles Project has yet to be evaluated as the equipment was delivered to the Coast Guard in June 2012 and thus not yet tested during the dark season; this will be followed up during autumn and winter season 2012/2013. The epassport Readers Project has definitely assisted in making the management of passenger flows more efficient and reliable. The project concerning the ICAO PKD was delayed and implemented in part only. It is still considered a priority within the Police, however, and the project will be finalised with support from AP

18 3.2. VISA POLICY AND MANAGEMENT OF MIGRATION FLOWS ABROAD Priority 3 Support for issuing of visas and tackling of illegal immigration, including the detection of false or falsified documents by enhancing the activities organised by the consular and other services of the Member States in third countries What were the results achieved through the projects implemented at the level of this priority, grouped by action? Table n 16 (Please choose the outputs and results applicable, transfer to this page and complete the relevant categories listed in the table at the annex; where necessary add comments) 7. VIS % of EBF contribution to total investment undertaken to support development of VIS Number of consulates connected to VIS 18% 8 The Fund has supported the Migration Board in the implementation of four sub-projects falling under priorities 3 and 4 under the main national VIS-project during the period January 2007 to 30 June When looking at their impact the RA has decided to look at these four sub-projects as one To what extent are the achievements of the annual programmes consistent with the initially set objectives in the multi-annual programme and in the annual programme in question? AP 2007 The AP 2007 included the action to install biometric stations at the foreign missions including software development to enable capture of biometric data. One project was implemented by the Migration Board, the authority responsible for the MS management and development of VIS. The project objective was not to actually install the stations as this was done already before the project started. Instead, the project objective was to develop the software to enable capture of photograph and signature of visa applicants. The project was also formulated in the MAP, priority 3 and objective 3. AP 2008 N/A AP 2009 N/A AP N/A To what extent did the projects and the actions, through their results, contribute to improving visa issuing and preventing irregular entry into the EU? In answering, please refer to the outputs and results at section above. The project is part of the development of the national VIS; by developing the software in use at the foreign missions to capture information from visa applicants, the systems is gradually adapted to the central VIS and ready to partake once the system is rolled out, region by region. The sub-projects of the national VIS which have received support from the Fund through APs 2007, 2008, 2009 and have all contributed to Sweden keeping in step with the development of central VIS. 18

19 3.3. DEVELOPMENT OF IT SYSTEMS SUPPORTING BORDER MANAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF MIGRATION FLOWS Priority 4 Support for the establishment of IT systems required for the implementation of EU legal instruments in the field of external borders and visas What were the results achieved through the projects implemented at the level of this priority, grouped by action? Table n 17 (Please choose the outputs and results applicable, transfer to this page and complete the relevant categories listed in the table at the annex, where necessary add comments) Please see example above 1. Means of transport Number of means of transport acquired or upgraded Achieved through APs Baseline Overall at national level % of the fleet modernised out of the total After the intervention through the Fund 1.2. Cars % The baseline includes vehicles used for external border control and/or visa purposes only, excluding vehicles used for other purposes. 6. SIS % of EBF contribution to total investment undertaken to support development of SIS % of successful connection tests 10 % 100% 7. VIS % of EBF contribution to total investment undertaken to support development of VIS Number of consulates connected to VIS 18% 8 The Fund has supported the Migration Board in the implementation of four sub-projects falling under priorities 3 and 4 under the main national VIS-project during the period January 2007 to 30 June When looking at their impact the RA has decided to look at these four sub-projects as one. 8. Other ICT systems 8.3.Other Number of other ICT systems developed or upgraded Achieved through APs Baseline Overall at national level One action, comprising of one project, was included in the AP The project did not meet its objective within the project period due to technical complications as regards receipt and temporary storage of data. 11. Operating equipment for visa issuing Number of equipment acquired or upgraded Actually Baseli Overall at achieved ne national through level APs min Average waiting time for visa issuing Achieved Baseline through APs

20 The Fund supported procurement of mobile solutions for the Police to be able to issue visa at the external borders. The seamen transit visas and emergency visas could previously only be issued at the permanent border control points, and therefore the average waiting time is not comparable. Moreover, group visas could previously be issued, a fact which is no longer the case To what extent are the achievements of the annual programmes consistent with the initially set objectives in the multi-annual programme and in the annual programme in question? (Please detail) AP 2007 Two projects were planned under priority 4 in the AP 2007; both were also identified in the MAP, objective 3, investments linked to SIS II and objective 5, improved access to information about passengers travelling to Sweden. The first one was a sub-project under the development of the national SIS II. The SIS II received support from the Fund in developing a new application to enable the Police and other relevant authorities to search the central SIS II. The second action and project was to support the Police in developing an application for receipt and temporary storage of passenger lists. This project was not implemented fully within the project period due to technical complications regarding receipt and storage of data. AP 2008 The AP 2008 consisted of one action split in two projects, both supporting the Migration Board in the development of the VIS. Both projects contributed to the development of the national VIS and to enable capture of biometric information at the foreign missions. Both have contributed to Sweden being ready for the rollout of the central VIS. One project was focussed on requirement specification, development and testing of the national VIS, and the other on development of a national application for fulfilling the requirements of central the Biometric Matching System as regards biometric information capture. AP 2009 Two projects related to priority 4 were included in AP 2009, and they were entirely in line with the objectives set in the MAP, meeting objective 1 and 3 respectively. The Wilma III project had the objective to provide the Police with mobile solutions for issuing seamen transit visas and emergency visas. The aim was to provide at least one unit of the mobile concept, including a portable computer, printer, scanner and a photo station, to all 21 police authorities depending on their needs. Thirty units were procured, as planned, and introduced to the 21 Police authorities, enabling the Police to issue visas in a more efficient and secure fashion with a direct link to VIS, including also biometric information. The second project was related to the continued development of the national SIS II including testing and operation of the search application which was set in use within the Police, the Migration Board and the Customs. AP The Wilma III project continued from AP 2009 into AP in order to fully pay, according to the payment schedule, the mobile solutions procured and delivered under AP The payments were made in a timely manner. In AP, the Fund supported one Police authority in the procurement of a vehicle in which to install one unit of the mobile solutions procured with support from the AP The vehicle has made it possible to quickly transport the equipment between different harbours in the county, with no time spent on setting up the equipment as it is already 20

21 mounted in the vehicle. The project has enabled the Police in this particular county to issue 70% of the seamen transit visas and emergency visas by using the vehicle and its up-to-date equipment, ensuring correct application of EU rules. The AP supported also two other actions under priority 4, another sub-project of SIS II related to the previous ones, including adjusting the final interface to the central SIS II system. The other action was a project aimed at investments in VIS objective 1, i.e. the Migration Board was supported by the Fund in systems development and testing in the socalled Playground as regards the features to transfer information to the central system. All four actions in AP within priority 4 are in line with the objectives set in the MAP, although the vehicle supporting the Wilma III projects, mobile units for border control and visa issue, was not foreseen but nevertheless consistent with the objectives set in MAP To what extent did the projects and the actions, through their results, contribute to the development of the IT systems necessary for the implementation of EU instruments in the field of external borders and visas? Please breakdown for SIS, VIS and, where applicable, other IT systems. In answering, please refer to the outputs and results at section above. The development of the national SIS II under the National Police Board has received support from the Fund in three out of four APs. The national SIS II project has applied for funds related to implementation of certain sub-projects. The sub-projects have contributed to the SIS II project by e.g. developing the national application giving the Police and other authorities access to the common SIS II data base, as well as developing the application in order to connect to VIS which is being developed at national level under the responsibility of the Migration Board. The national VIS is well on track with the development of the central VIS, and has been supported by the Fund through the APs. Sweden is on track with systems development and the roll-out of central VIS; at the time of writing eight foreign missions are connected in North Africa and the Middle East respectively. As for development of other IT systems, the Passenger Name Records project did not meet its objective within the stipulated project period due to technical difficulties mentioned above TRAINING, RISK ANALYSIS AND STRATEGY SUPPORT Priority 5 Support for effective and efficient application of relevant EU legal instruments in the field of external borders and visas, in particular What were the results achieved through the projects implemented at the level of this priority, grouped by action? Table n 18 (Please choose the outputs and results applicable, transfer to this page and complete the relevant categories listed in the table at the annex, where necessary add comments) 12. Training and risk analysis Number of practices/tools developed or upgraded (software, statistics) Share of staff trained (compared to total) Actually Baseli Overall at Achieved through APs achieved ne national through level APs

22 12.2. Specialised % To what extent are the achievements of the annual programmes consistent with the initially set objectives in the multi-annual programme and in the annual programme in question? (Please detail) AP 2007 N/A AP 2008 N/A AP 2009 The objective of the one project included in the AP 2009 falling under priority 5 was to develop an interactive training programme based on the visa code and the handbook. The target group for the training was staff engaged in migration issues at the foreign missions. The objective was satisfactory met with 80% of relevant staff having undergone the training. The interactive programme is the first step in a series of training and in order to continue further training staff must have undergone and passed the interactive training programme. The action was expressed in the MAP as well, priority 5 and objective 2, training of consular staff to ensure effective use of VIS. AP N/A To what extent did the projects and the actions, through their results, contribute to improving the application of the EU standards in the field of external borders and visas in your country and supporting overall strategy development by your administration in this area, including risk assessment? In answering, please refer to the outputs and results at section above. Although Sweden has only implemented one project under priority 5 in the APs 2007 to, the development of an inter-active training programme based on the visa code and the handbook turned out to be very successful when it comes to capacity-building and providing further training in to staff engaged in migration issues at the foreign missions. 80% of the relevant staff have finalised the interactive training. The training programme is available at all foreign missions and, as mentioned above, has become a prerequisite for attending further training Overall results achieved with the Fund's intervention Please insert an overview table presenting the overall achievements through the Fund's intervention. Table n 19: Overall EBF results following aggregation by priorities (Please transfer to this page and complete all indicators listed in the table at the annex by aggregating the results listed by priority). Please see example above. Category Indicators OUTPUT RESULTS Number of means of transport % of the fleet modernised acquired or upgraded out of the total 1. Means of Achieved Baseline Overall at After the intervention transport through national through the Fund APs level Total Cars % 22

23 1.4. Boats % Number of equipment acquired or upgraded % of equipment renewed out of the total equipment 3. Operating Achieved Baseline Overall at Achiev Baseli Overall at equipment for through national ed ne national APs level throug level border h APs surveillance Number of equipment % of Border Crossing acquired or upgraded Points covered with 4. Operating equipment for border checks 4.2. Documents verification 6. SIS 7. VIS 8. Other ICT systems 8.3.Other 11. Operating equipment for visa issuing 12. Training and risk analysis modernised equipment Actually achieved through APs Baseline Overall at national level Achieved through APs Baselin e Overall at national level % 0 18% % of EBF contribution to total investment undertaken to support development of SIS % of successful connection tests 10 % 100% % of EBF contribution to total investment undertaken to support development of VIS Number of consulates connected to VIS 18% 8 Number of other ICT systems developed or upgraded Achieved Baseline Overall at through national APs level Number of equipment acquired or upgraded Actually Baseli Overall at achieved ne national through level APs min Number of practices/tools developed or upgraded (software, statistics) Actually achieved through APs Baseli ne Overall at national level Average waiting time for visa issuing Achieved Baseline through APs Share of staff trained (compared to total) Achieved through APs Specialised % How do you assess the results of section in the national context of implementation of the External Borders Fund? Neutral X Positive Very positive Excellent Please comment on the overall results achieved (as presented in Table n 16) in relation to your initially set expectations as stated in the annual programmes. In principle, most projects as formulated in the respective APs have been implemented and reported. In the first AP, in 2007, one action under priority 4, aimed at developing a system for passenger name records did not manage to reach its objective within the stipulated time 23

24 period. Two projects in AP 2009 never received the intended funding from the EBF, one due to not adhering to the procurement rules and the other due to a late start in its implementation. The AP support provided to the Police in joining the UN organisation ICAO s Public Key Directory is delayed, but will reach its objective with support included in AP The APs have been revised twice, once in 2009 due to beneficiaries withdrawing their applications and in due to the fact that the SIS II project reduced their budgetary need as regards EBF funding. The AP revisions have made it possible for the RA to implement the majority of the actions as planned, and to make use of the funds allocated to the MS CASE STUDIES/BEST PRACTICES Important /successful projects funded in the annual programmes 2007, 2008, 2009 and Please describe at least 5 projects which deserve, in your opinion, particular mention since you consider them as a good practice, or of an innovative nature, of interest to other Member States (example of a project supporting an EU policy priority) or of particular value in the light of the multiannual strategy and your national requirements. The epassport Readers Project included in the AP 2007, falling under priority 1 and objective 1, aimed at decreasing the number of people entering Sweden illegally by discovering false passports. The beneficiary was the National Police Board which was granted support to procure epassport Readers integrated with SIS to be placed at the external border crossing points across the country. The Readers enabled the relevant authorities to read information stored in the electronic passports. The project was quite straightforward but nevertheless of great importance to the MS. In the AP 2009 and AP, the Fund supported the National Police Board in acquiring a mobile solution for the issue of seamen transit visas and emergency visas, intended in particular for use at remote harbours and seldom used airports. The equipment consisted of a portable computer, a biometric station, a scanner and a printer, and a total of 30 units were procured and delivered to the police authorities, enabling them to issue visas at the borders in accordance with regulations, including capturing biometric data and to register the applications in VIS directly. In AP 2009 and AP the EBF supported the Coast Guard to procure two Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB) to be used exclusively for external border surveillance and control. The RIB requires a minimal crew compared to other vessels and can quickly and easily be deployed whenever need arises. Moreover, it is fast, comfortable as regards seating and level of indoor noise and it has allowed the Coast Guard to increase its number of hours spent on external border surveillance and control, resulting in a more effective and efficient border control at sea. In addition, the RIB has led to an enhanced cooperation with neighbouring country s Police and Customs. The Migration Board applied for support in the AP 2009 regarding development of an interactive training programme regarding the visa code and the handbook. The training is targeted at consular staff responsible for migration issues and as per June 2012, approximately 80% of the staff has undergone the training. It has become mandatory for staff to having passed the final test of the interactive training programme, before being eligible for further training in issues related to migration. 24

25 In the AP, the Fund supported one county Police Authority to procure and rebuild a vehicle to be used exclusively for carrying the mobile WILMA equipment which was procured with EBF support in AP The beneficiary in question is responsible for controlling a number of harbours over a large geographic area as regards external border control, and although the new WILMA equipment is mobile, it is still quite cumbersome to put up and dismantle. The new vehicle increased considerably this particular authority s efficiency regarding control, reduced number of illegal entries, and issue of seaman transit visa and emergency visa along the coastline. The vehicle has been of great value to the authority and it would not have been possible to procure it without support from EBF Description of best practices derived from the implementation of the External Borders Fund Please describe a few best practices you consider you have acquired through implementation of the External Borders Fund in terms of tools for administrative management and cooperation at national level or with other Member States. Two important practices can be identified. The first one is the informal working group consisting of representatives from EBF responsible authorities in 13 MS. Sweden, Finland and Norway created a Nordic group in 2007 and the group has grown since. The group meets twice a year to exchange experiences, share best practices and give each other ideas. Setting up and participating in this group has been very helpful for the Swedish EBF RA. The second practice to mention is how the Swedish Police has managed many EBF projects. The Swedish Police is a large organisation consisting of the National Police Board as well as 21 independent County Police Authorities. When procuring equipment for the whole Police authority, the National Police Board has been the final beneficiary of the EBF projects and responsible for reporting to the RA, while the equipment has been delivered to all County Police Authorities. This has facilitated project management as only the National Police Board has reported to the RA and not all 21 Police Authorities LESSONS LEARNED Description of 3 less successful projects, among the projects funded in the annual programmes 2007 to In 2007, the National Police Board applied for EBF funding to develop an IT-system for receiving and storing of passenger name lists provided by passenger airlines, in line with the amendments to the Aliens Act. The Act prescribes that the National Police Board must maintain passenger name records from which the Police Authorities can obtain information. The project never achieved its objective; the feasibility study was not comprehensive enough causing a great deal of delay. The study did not e.g. take into regard how the passenger lists were to be collected from the airlines. Another mistake was a general belief that a similar system was already in use in other MS and that their experiences could be drawn upon. This proved to be a misconception and the matter should have been checked beforehand and included in the study. In 2009, the EBF provided financial support to the Coast Guard in procuring a RIB, as mentioned above, chapter The application originally included procurement of two RIBs, but during the project period it was concluded that the project had to focus on the finalisation and delivery of one boat. In connection to inspections and testing, the project 25