Strengthening Security Amid Pressing Challenges: EUAM Ukraine and Odesa Region Cooperate on Strategic Initiatives
January 29, 2025
Last week, Head of the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine Field Office Odesa, Anders Johansen, met with Oleh Kiper, Head of the Odesa Region Military Administration, to chart a path forward to ensure stability for the region amidst the ongoing pressures of war and crime. The timing for the joint engagement is on the spot, as the EUAM’s current mandate places special emphasis on maritime security and integrated border management (IBM). Their relevance resonates strongly in Odesa, a region that stands as a critical gateway to Ukraine’s maritime and border operations.
During the meeting, Mr. Johansen presented the key priorities of the Mission’s updated agenda, emphasizing the importance of leveraging maritime and IBM strategies to address vulnerabilities in a region uniquely exposed to cross-border and maritime risks.
Oleh Kiper, in turn, highlighted a pressing challenge: rising crime in the Odesa region, exacerbated by insufficient security infrastructure. The discussion brought into focus the critical need for expanded surveillance capabilities, particularly through modern CCTV systems. The lack of functional cameras, combined with most budgetary resources being allocated to military support, has left law enforcement agencies ill-equipped to respond to criminal activities effectively.
A recent high-profile case underscored this gap: a double homicide in December 2024 saw perpetrators escape the country, untracked due to the absence of CCTV coverage. This incident, as Mr. Kiper noted, is emblematic of the larger vulnerabilities that hinder local and national security efforts.
Anders Johansen reiterated the EUAM’s commitment to supporting Odesa and its law enforcement agencies and suggested exploring potential support avenues through IBM and port security initiatives. Drawing on examples from Denmark’s border security infrastructure, he outlined how advanced camera systems, such as number-plate readers, could transform the region’s ability to monitor movement across its borders and ports.
As Ukraine navigates an increasingly complex security environment, partnerships like those between EUAM and regional administrations play a critical role. The Mission stands firm in its commitment to supporting Ukraine in its pursuit of stability and resilience. Through practical initiatives, resource alignment, and unwavering cooperation, the Mission seeks to empower local authorities to overcome challenges and build a safer future.
