Newsroom Type: News

On 4 July 2019, in Chisinau, the Head of European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM), Slawomir Pichor, held two meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Andrei Nastase, and the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of the Republic of Moldova, Vasilii Sova, respectively.

During the meetings, the Head of EUBAM introduced to the newly appointed officials in the Government of the Republic of Moldova, the Mission’s working program, highlighting its technical and advisory role in promoting confidence building measures between the two banks of the Dniester River, implementing the integrated border management concept and assisting in fighting cross-border crime.

On their part, both the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs and the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration reiterated the importance of coordinated efforts for ensuring efficient monitoring of the Moldova-Ukraine common border and appreciated the support EUBAM has been providing to the Moldovan authorities since 2005. The parties discussed as well future cooperation plans.

On 15-17 May, EUBAM hosted the delegations of the Ministry of Finance of Poland and the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova to discuss the phenomenon of cigarette smuggling in the region. Smuggled cigarettes have different destinations, presenting high risk for the European Union Member States.

The visitors from Poland, accompanied by the Mission’s members together with border guard and customs agencies’ experts from the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, had also the opportunity to visit the recently launched jointly operated border crossing point ‘Palanca-Maiaki-Udobnoe’, as well the Container Terminal Odesa – CTO and ‘Euroterminal’, located in Odesa Sea Port. During those visits, the European Union, Moldovan and Ukrainian experts shared experience about the scale of the cigarettes smuggling phenomenon and the latest modus operandi.

On 14 May, high-level Delegation from Austria, led by the State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance of Austria, accompanied by the Austrian ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, visited EUBAM HQ to familiarize with the Mission’s activity in its area of responsibility. The Head of EUBAM offered a comprehensive presentation on the Mission’s support to Transnistria settlement process and confidence building measures, assistance on the implementation of Integrated Border Management concept and advisory operational support to preventing and combating cross-border crime.

The following day, on 15 May, the Austrian Delegation visited the jointly operated border crossing point ‘Kuchurhan – Pervomaisc’ at the central segment of the Moldova-Ukraine state border. Austrian officials noted the important role this border crossing point plays in facilitating the trade and promoting people-to-people contacts, as well as essential support EUBAM provides to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in harmonizing its operability.

On 16-17 April 2019, in the premises of EUBAM HQ, the Mission organized a workshop on Common Contact Points (CCPs) for the officers from Moldovan Border Police and Ukrainian State Border Guard Service.      The two-day event aimed at supporting Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities in establishing a CCP at Palanca Border Crossing Point, located in the Republic of Moldova. The CCP will ensure timely information exchange between border management authorities about persons and vehicles crossing the border, alerts lists, specificities of local traffic, circumstances that could impact or affect the situation at the border as well as any other information that can assist in assessing the conditions at the frontier.

Against this background, EUBAM invited two Polish Border Guard experts on CCPs to share their knowledge and experience at EU external and internal borders.The experts have tacked different topics of interest, such as: legal framework, scope and source of information exchange, data protection, tasks, staffing, logistics coordination and day-to-day management of the CCP.

The participants from both countries had the opportunity to exchange their views and expectations within small working groups, moderated by the Polish and EUBAM experts, who were also introducing the European standards and best practices.

Therefore, the hands-on workshop offered the participants a great opportunity to get expert advice on CCPs, increase their knowledge and competence in that area and to identify what actions are needed for operationalization of the CCP at Palanca Border Crossing Point.

Background information: Establishing a Common Contact Point (CCP) at Palanca BCP, located on the territory of the Republic of Moldova is one of the four components of the EU-funded project “Enhancing Integrated Border Management along the Ukraine-Moldova Border”, implemented with EUBAM’s support. This specific objective was identified by the European Commission as a priority to be addressed under this project, within the framework of the operationalization of bilateral Agreements and Protocols on border management in force between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

On 8 April 2019, the Head of European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM), Slawomir Pichor, held a meeting with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Dr. Claus Neukirch, who paid a visit to EUBAM HQ in Odesa.

During the meeting, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, briefed on the development within the Transnistrian Settlement Process negotiations in the 5+2 format and, on his part, the Head of EUBAM informed about the Mission’s ongoing support to trade, customs, road and rail transportation issues.

EUBAM/OSCE cooperation is important and mutually beneficial in the context of supporting confidence-building measures under the framework of the Transnistrian Settlement Process. While EUBAM, within its technical mandate, under the aegis of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, is supporting the development of confidence-building measures between the two banks of the Nistru River and approximation of legislation and procedures in customs, trade, transport and trans-boundary management, the OSCE Mission to Moldova facilitates through peaceful negotiations a comprehensive settlement of the Transnistrian conflict based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova with a special status for Transnistria within Moldova.

The two Missions work together to support the two banks problem-solving related to trade, road and rail transportation issues as they arise and regularly exchange information on trans-boundary related customs and security issues, as well as on cross-border crime.

EUBAM is pleased to launch its latest Annual Report covering December 2017 to November 2018. It highlights the Mission’s support to the achievements made by our partner services over that period, as well as EUBAM’s prominent ongoing activities on supporting confidence building measures across the Nistru River, implementing integrated border management concept and combating cross-border crime. The Mission thanks all those who contributed to the report, especially Moldova’s Border Police and Customs Service, as well as Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service and State Fiscal Service.

“Our joint results and the progress we achieved together during the first year of the Mission’s renewed mandate, all the significant steps forward, make me confident that the good cross-border cooperation between the two countries will continue for the benefit of the people and the trade”, noted Slawomir Pichor, Head of Mission.

On Friday, 1 March 2018, the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) invites you to participate into the signing ceremony of the Protocol on the Inter-agency Regional Analytical Group that will take place in Odesa. Establishing of such group will contribute to counteracting cross-border crime and will have positive effect on the overall security in Odesa region.

A press-conference is foreseen to take place at 12.00 at the premises of EUBAM headquarters, 13 Uyutna Street, Odesa. It is expected that the following speakers will take part:

Journalists who wish to attend are invited to contact Ms Nataliya Kolotovicheva (e-mail: nataliya.kolotovicheva@eubam.org, cell: +38 050 38 68 924). Space is limited, so we recommend early registration.

Audio-visual coverage will be provided by EUBAM Media and Communication Office and the press conference will be streamed live on EUBAM Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EUBAM-EU-Border-Assistance-Mission-to-Moldova-and-Ukraine-253774712264/).

In the framework of Joint Operation “ORION” aiming at supporting the Ukrainian and Moldovan law enforcement agencies in counteracting the illicit arms trafficking, the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) has partnered Moldovan General Police Inspectorate during the public campaign on voluntarily handing over the illegally possessed firearms by Moldovan citizens, without facing any criminal liability. With the Mission’s support, 11,000 leaflets and posters in Romanian and Russian languages were printed and distributed.

The campaign lasted for three months, between November 2018 and January 2019, and aimed at creating a secure environment in the Republic of Moldova by removing the illegally possessed weapons, ammunition and explosives and raising the civil society’s awareness on this topic. During the numerous meetings and events the citizens were encouraged to hand over to the authorities the weapons and ammunitions possessed by them illegally and explained the many risks and consequences deriving from the unlawful possession of such belongings.

The campaign proved to be a successful one as more than 2,000 cartridges with different calibers, 130 firearms and 70 mines, shells and grenades were voluntary handed over by the Moldovan citizens.

A photo overview of the most significant achievements of EUBAM and its Partner Services’.

On 28 December the most modern Jointly Operated Border Crossing Point (JOBCP) in the region – Palanca – was opened, marking a qualitative change in border management both for the people and for the trade. The event took place during a ceremony attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, President of Ukraine, EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, Moldovan and Ukrainian border agencies, UNDP, EUBAM and representatives of the local public authorities.

Being an EU funded project, implemented by UNDP, in the framework of the Eastern Partnership IBM flagship initiative, JOBCP Palanca significantly simplifies the procedure of crossing the border for citizens of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, as they will pass the border and customs control only once. In the same vein, JOBCP Palanca becomes a benchmark for other border crossing points at the Moldovan-Ukrainian border where the agencies from the two countries plan to work together.

EUBAM has supported Palanca project in all aspects, from helping to apply for the EU funding on initial stage to advising the design and technical requirements related to the control procedures of the JOBCP later on. Moreover, as the Mission regards the launching of the joint control as a proof of good cross-border co-operation between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, EUBAM provided also assistance in drafting the temporary technological scheme for organizing the joint control that was officially launched in the temporary JOBCP Palanca on 19 December 2017.

Within the context of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), both Moldova and Ukraine have committed to progress towards efficient and comprehensive border management, including specific customs and border guard issues. Palanca is the first newly constructed border crossing point functioning under the new Agreement on Joint Control at the Moldovan-Ukrainian Border signed by the Governments of Moldova and Ukraine in October 2017. Its operations are built on modern border management principles such as “One-Stop Shop”.

EUBAM will continue to work with its Moldovan and Ukrainian partners for the enhancement of integrated border management between the two countries by encouraging joint border control at border crossing points and information sharing between the agencies.

Related links:

https://eubam.eu4moldova.eu/newsroom/launching-the-joint-control-in-palanca-a-qualitative-change-in-border-management-both-for-the-people-and-for-the-trade/

https://eubam.eu4moldova.eu/newsroom/moldova-and-ukraine-finalized-technical-requirements-for-the-new-jointly-operated-border-crossing-point-palanca/

On 14 December the Head of EUBAM Slawomir Pichor awarded the certificates to the best performing students of Odesa National Mechnikov University who attended EUBAM Module within the University’s EU-Ukraine Integration Study Course. The visit of the students and professors to EUBAM HQ in Odesa concluded the series of joint events between the Mission and the University in 2018.

The EUBAM module of the EU-Ukraine Integration Course ran through the month of October and composed of three lectures and a visit to Odesa Sea Port. This was a second year of cooperation with the Odesa Mechnikov University in this format.

Addressing the students Slawomir Pichor said: “I am positive that EUBAM lectures has helped you to understand better EU fundamental freedoms, particularly free movement of goods and people and you will take this knowledge in your further professional life”.  “This is a successful initiative and we should continue our cooperation in the future”, he added.

The lectures, delivered by EUBAM experts from Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany and Romania, covered the work of the Mission and such topics as trade facilitation, freedom of movement, Schengen acquis and the EU approach to the Integrated Border Management.

The visit to Odesa Sea Port was organized jointly with Odesa Customs and included briefing on EUBAM’s field operations and presentation of customs’ successful projects in trade facilitation.

On 13-14 December 2018, EUBAM organized the sixth and last workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Chisinau, aiming to enhancing capacities of Chisinau and Tiraspol customs experts in IPR matters, but also build confidence between them. As human health and the environment protection are top priorities for both business and consumers, pharmaceutical products and pesticides, textiles and automobile spare parts were in the spotlight this time.

The two-day event gave the opportunity for the experts in the field of IPR from Chisinau and Tiraspol, EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Polish specialized associations, AGEPI and representatives of the right holders in the Republic of Moldova to exchange experiences, deepen knowledge and forge partnership to combat the infiltration of counterfeit products into domestic markets. Moreover, the EU Intellectual Property Office shared several practical examples about the trade mark protection and tools such as online databases used to support EU law enforcement agencies in fight against IPR infringements.

The participants welcomed EUBAM’s support throughout the year. The customs experts recognized the importance of enhanced cooperation among all stakeholders in ensuring the IPR enforcement process, including right holders, customs, European associations and other state agencies and committed to take measures to further improve the fight against counterfeiting.

By this workshop EUBAM ends the series of events started in December 2017, aimed both at building confidence in the field of IPR between customs professionals from the two banks of the Nistru River and disseminating best international and EU practices and raise awareness on IPR enforcement.

Related links:

https://eubam.eu4moldova.eu/newsroom/experts-from-both-banks-of-nistru-river-learn-about-eu-intellectual-property-rights-practices/

https://eubam.eu4moldova.eu/newsroom/customs-experts-from-the-two-banks-of-the-nistru-river-deepen-knowledge-on-ipr-enforcement/

A photo overview of the work of the Mission and its Moldovan and Ukrainian partners in August-November 2018.

On 11 October, a delegation headed by Mr György Such, Director General of the Hungarian National Assembly, and included Mr Emil BAKOS, Deputy General Director responsible for economic issues,   Mr. Tibor Bárány, Deputy General Director responsible for legislation and Mr Daniel VERBA, diplomat of the Embassy of Hungary in Chisinau, visited EUBAM Headquarter in Odesa. The event took place within visit the delegation paid to the Republic of Moldova for discussing the implementation of the  EU-funded Twinning Project on strengthening the capacities of the Parliament of Moldova for EU approximation process.

The visit paid to EUBAM has been an excellent opportunity for the Head of Mission, Mr Slawomir Pichor, to give an overview of the EUBAM’s mandate and the Mission’s contribution to the settlement of the Transnistrian issue, implementation of integrated border management and combating cross-border crime. EUBAM’s support to the regional security and economic development was appreciated by the Hungarian delegation.

During the meeting, Mr Pichor extended also gratitude to the Hungarian government for the continuous contribution to the Mission’s success with specialized seconded national experts.

On 3-4 October in Chisinau, EUBAM hosted a workshop on implementation of electronic tools for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement. The workshop was part of EUBAM efforts for enhancing capacity and building confidence between customs professionals from the two banks of the Nistru River.

The event, included in the wider IPR project launched in May 2018, was attended by customs experts form Chisinau and Tiraspol, representatives of the State Agency on Intellectual Property of the Republic of Moldova (AGEPI), de facto Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Transnistria and Berlin Economics. The experts from the Polish National Revenue Administration moderated the event and provided the participants with information about designing and implementation of customs IPR IT systems, namely the Polish national anti-counterfeit and anti-piracy system VINCI and the European Commission one – COPIS.

The theoretical presentations were enriched by practical cases introduced by the EUBAM expert, demonstrating the practice of Italian customs in combating IPR infringements.

The participants highly appreciated the event. The sequence of IPR capacity building events will be continued in November, marking the next step on the path to confidence building between Chisinau and Tiraspol.