Cooperation of the border services of Ukraine and Hungary in the 1990s: formation of security and good neighborliness mechanisms

Abstract

In the 1990s, cooperation between the border services of Ukraine and Hungary became a key instrument for ensuring security and tability on the common border, which, after the collapse of the USSR, turned into a zone of increased risks: illegal migration from Asia to the EU, smuggling of weapons and tobacco, and a lack of control infrastructure. The basis for this interaction was the Treaty on the State Border Regime, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance on Border Issues, signed on May 19, 1995. It consolidated the principles of territorial integrity, established mechanisms for joint patrols, information exchange, and created an institutional framework in the form of the apparatus of border commissioners. Key aspects of cooperation. Structural mechanisms. The 1995 Treaty provided for the creation of joint coordination bodies, in particular the Council of Heads of Border Services, which allowed for the systematic resolution of incidents and the planning of operations. For example, joint patrols on the "green" sections of the border significantly reduced the level of smuggling. Combating transnational threats: The focus was on countering illegal migration and smuggling. By 1999, Ukrainian border guards had detained over 130,000 violators, particularly on the Hungarian section. Hungary, as a future EU member, was interested in reducing the pressure on its borders, which contributed to technical support for Ukraine, including aviation monitoring. Humanitarian dimension. The agreement provided for a simplified regime for residents of the border zones (Zakarpattia and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg), which legalized traditional economic and family ties. This also contributed to cultural exchange and the protection of the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. The 1995 Treaty became a model for Ukraine's subsequent agreements with other neighbors, particularly Poland and Slovakia. It laid the foundation for Ukraine's participation in Euroregions, such as the "Upper Prut" (created in 2000), which integrated border regions into European cooperation programs. By 2000, the number of smugglers on the Hungarian section had decreased by 40%, which confirmed the effectiveness of joint efforts. Modern significance. The experience of the 1990s became the basis for responding to new challenges, particularly during the Russian aggression from 2022, when the Hungarian-Ukrainian border turned into a key humanitarian corridor. The trust mechanisms established by the Treaty continue to play a role in the context of cybersecurity and combating the use of UAVs for smuggling. The cooperation of the 1990s showed that even young states can effectively manage borders through institutional interaction, technological support, and adherence to European standards. This experience remains relevant for Ukraine's further integration into the EU and the strengthening of Eastern European security.