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WHAT IS SEMS?


SEMS (South-East Europe Messaging System) is project funded by the European Commission (EC) and managed by the I.T.A.C.A. (International Technical Assistance to Customs (and Tax) Administrations) consortium.

Project duration is 12 months, starting as of 1st May 2008.

Overall objectives

The overall objective of the project is to enhance the administrative capacity of the Beneficiaries in the exchange of information with other regional Law Enforcement Agencies.

Furthermore, the project would assist Beneficiaries who are not yet Member States, to become familiar with the concept of the electronic exchange of data as required by European Commission systems - such as NCTS, TACIS, etc. In short, the project would establish a "bridge" in administrative co-operation - through the exchange of information between Administrations which are in the process of acceding towards European Integration. 

Project Purpose

The SEMS project has two main purposes:

  • Continuation of support services for the current SEMS implementations in the Western Balkans region,
  • The ongoing technical assistance and customization of the SEMS systems as regional standards for the exchange of encrypted pre-arrival information in "real-time".

The successful completion of this project will support:

  • The operational activities (Intelligence, Anti-Smuggling, Risk Assessment, Integrated Border Management, etc.) of the participating Administrations,
  • Effective co-operation between regional Administrations,
  • Enhancement of communication with the relevant stakeholders.

In addition, the project will support Beneficiaries Administrations who are not yet Member States and whom are at different levels in the pre-accession scale, to become familiar with the concept of European Commission trans-European systems and Interconnectivity/ Interoperability issues.

Synergies with TACTA

There are evident synergies between SEMS and TACTA Projects. Even both projects have their own specific objectives and intended results, there are number of activities which need a strong cooperation between SEMS and TACTA experts, with specific reference with those concerned the Regional Plan of activities.

Project Structure

SEMS Work Plan

Beneficiary Administrations

SEMS Team