It is an objective and an expectation on the part of the leaders of the European Union that there should be the same degree of security throughout the territory of the EU, and this will only be the case if the police respond to the challenges which threaten security in the same manner and have the skills and expertise which are necessary for the resolution of the task, Sándor Pintér said.
At the opening of the master programme launched for the first time by the European Police College (CEPOL), the Minister added: this can only be implemented on the foundations of a training system which rests on effective and identical underlying principles, and the master programme which is now being launched serves just that. Students will have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the latest academic and practical recommendations regarding the general procedures, as well as with the planning and practical implementation of the management of unexpected incidents.
Mr Pintér highlighted that these skills are very much required at present, and mentioned as examples terrorism, and the management, difficulties and diversity of the tasks caused by illegal migration. According to the Minister, the quality of training will be guaranteed by the leadership of CEPOL and the institutions behind it, and the designated countries send their best people to the first year of the programme. He took the view that the students themselves will lay the foundations of the true worth of the training programme by acquiring the curriculum, applying their studies in their daily work, and presenting results.
Mr Pintér requested students to contribute to the success of the programme with their expertise, skills and diligence, and to thoroughly acquaint themselves with the security status of the participating countries and the basics of action against potential cross-border crime. He pointed out: the success of the students will serve to enhance the security of the European Union.
He also reiterated: the Hungarian Government has made significant efforts to bring the CEPOL headquarters to Hungary, trusting that Hungary will be able to provide a satisfactory background and opportunities of growth for joint European police training.
He stressed that it is a particular joy for him that the European Police College is launching a master programme for the first time during its existence in Hungary. In his view, this stands to prove that CEPOL has found the right location; not only did the organisation find its place in Budapest, but it has achieved improvement in the development of training at a higher level, and the Minister of Interior expressed his hope that it will be equally successful in its practical implementation.
András Patyi, Rector of the National Public Service University said: it is an honour that this training will begin in their institution. He took the view that this is also important from the viewpoint of the future and mission of the university as they will train experts associated with the institutions of law enforcement, defence, disaster management and public administration who look upon their jobs as a life-long vocation, be that the defence of the country, the protection of the civilian population, the maintenance of law and order, or the quality organisation and administration of the official public administration affairs of members of the public.
Stressing the importance of international cooperation, Mr Patyi highlighted: its significance manifests itself in coordinated and professional action in crisis situations.
Christian Gatti, Chair of the CEPOL Governing Board, too, stressed that the effective cooperation of law enforcement agencies promotes internal security in Europe. In his welcome speech, he reiterated the process of the compilation of the training material for the master programme, and said regarding the training programme: this is the first police college programme which targets the common challenges of policing cooperation.
Alejandro Tiana Ferrer, Rector of the Spanish National University of Distance Education said, inter alia, that the development of the training programme – in which his university also participated – is an important cause for the whole of Europe today, and it serves as a good example for the whole of Europe regarding the coordination of European security. It further creates an opportunity for the European Union to demonstrate its strength by virtue of the cooperation of the police forces of the Member States, he added.
Gerd Thielmann, Vice President of the German Police University in Münster (Deutsche Hochschule der Polizei), referred to CEPOL as a role model of European policing cooperation, whose assignments and missions have been continuously increasing ever since its establishment. He added: this also results in the expansion of police education. He took the view that the European programme further creates the opportunity for multilateral cooperation, and provides expertise, skills and abilities for senior members of the police.
Ferenc Bánfi, Director of CEPOL described the launch of the master programme as the realisation of an incredible dream. He referred to the development of the training programme – based on the cooperation of the 13 European Member States – with the participation of 30 students as historic because – as he said – it demonstrates the success of a joint effort. In his view, the development of the curriculum will also result in a significant change in the action taken against international crime and terrorism, as we need a more effective crime investigation system in response to the processes which have accelerated with the advancement of technology.
(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade/MTI)
