International border experts gather in Narva, Estonia, to shape the future of border security

Narva, the Estonian border city on the external border of the EU and NATO will become a European border security think tank for three days at the end of this week. From 5–6 March, decision-makers, researchers, technology companies and practitioners will gather in Narva for the international conference “Borderless Border Management 2026 – Supporting Development and Innovation” to discuss how artificial intelligence, biometrics, cybersecurity and unmanned systems are shaping the future of border security. In addition, a special pre-event for local youth will take place on the evening of 4 March.

The Rector of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, Kuno Tammearu, noted that the true value of the conference lies in bringing together the knowledge of practitioners, academia, the public sector and private companies to develop stronger and smarter border security solutions. “Through open dialogue and joint innovation, we are creating a foundation that supports professional excellence and fosters cross-sectoral cooperation for years to come. We are not only strengthening security, but also inspiring a new generation of collaboration, innovation and trust. We are building borders that stand firm, when necessary, yet allow those who are welcome to pass without obstruction,” said the Rector.

The conference is organised in cooperation between the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, the Estonian Research Council, Tallinn University of Technology, the Police and Border Guard Board, CERIS – Community for European Research and Innovation for Security.

In Narva, the primary focus will be on how to turn rapidly evolving technologies into practical, working solutions – from smart borders and the implementation of entry/exit systems to counter-drone measures. Policymakers, research institutions and the private sector will come together in discussions to find answers that directly impact the security of Estonia and Europe as a whole.

In addition to the expert conference, a special youth pre-event titled “Borderless Minds” will take place on the evening of 4 March, bringing together nearly 40 students from upper secondary schools in Narva, Sillamäe and Kohtla-Järve. “The youth evening creates an inspiring environment for reflecting on self-awareness, visions of the future and the meaning of borders. The aim is to bring young people together to explore what borders might mean in a world that is becoming increasingly mobile, technological and diverse every day,” explained Anne Kivimäe, Head of the Narva Study Centre of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences.

Narva as a symbolic and strategic venue adds weight to the conference – here, borders are discussed not theoretically, but in the immediate vicinity of the European Union’s eastern frontier.

More information about the conference is available here.