On June 2-3, 2026, Czech customs in Prague hosted the Customs Mobile Groups Network meeting. 25 experts from 18 European Member States shared their experience with mobile surveillance operations, and explored new opportunities for joint action in protecting the European Unionโs external and internal borders.
The Prague meeting followed the inaugural meeting of the network, which took place in Athens in the fall of 2025, acknowledging the growing importance of the EUCAB platform for the day-to-day operational cooperation of European customs administrations.
Focus on practical knowledge and experiences
Individual countries presented specific case studies on the activities of mobile units, with discussions on risk assessment methods, inspection planning, current security threats, and emerging technologies that are increasingly transforming the nature of customs surveillanceโfrom new control equipment to the use of unmanned systems in monitoring and operational activities.
Presentations by Czech Customs Administration allowed participants to discover service vehicles, a mobile laboratory, and the modern technical equipment used in mobile surveillance operations.
Participants visited the operations centre, a most technologically advanced structure that provides round-the-clock support to mobile unitsโ patrols, coordinates their activities, and facilitates the rapid exchange of information.
Developing joint capabilities
Presentation by the K9 team included not only demonstration of the service dogsโ work, but a new training programme focused on detecting the psychomodulatory substance kratom (mitragyna speciosa). The discussion highlighted the opportunities for further cooperation in the area of specialized service dog training.
Specialized training designed for members of mobile units across Europe was also discussed, such as a workshop focused on vehicle pursuit and force stopping, from 15 to 18 June 2026, in Bochoล (CZ), building on the long-standing experience of Czech customs training and surveillance units.
From relationship building to successful European cooperation
The Prague meeting confirmed that building a structured framework for exchanging experiences is a prerequisite for efficient and resilient EU customs.
Mobile units are on the front lines of the fight against cross-border crime, smuggling, and other forms of illegal activity. Their ability to cooperate across Europe contributes significantly to protecting the safety of citizens and of the EU’s single market.
