The Schengen Facility aid is a temporary means of helping new EU member-states to finance activities at the new external border of the EU in order to prepare for joining the Schengen Agreement.

In the course of three years, Estonia has the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to 76.32 million euros (1.19 billions Estonian kroons) from the Schengen Facility fund. The sum is divided into equal parts for three years: 2004-2006.

The Ministry of the Interior uses the Schengen Facility aid to develop the infrastructure of the border between Estonia and Russia and the sea border and to purchase special technical equipment. The Ministry of the Interior is also applying for resources to create and implement the operational radio communications network, as well as the SIS II Schengen information system.

Border Guard Administration, Citizenship and Migration Board, Police Board and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have all filed applications for receipt of grants.

The Schengen Facility programme will be fully implemented by the end of 2006.