Newsroom Type: Speeches

On 16 April, Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, met with Alexandru Iacub, Director of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, to explore opportunities to broaden the Mission’s scope, deepen cooperation, and coordinate efforts to address evolving challenges.

The two sides exchanged views on strengthening a coordinated approach to shared objectives through potential joint initiatives under an extended mandate, focusing in particular on integrated border management, trade facilitation, and further aligning Moldova’s customs procedures with EU standards and best practices. Slawomir Pichor reiterated EUBAM’s commitment to supporting the Customs Service’s reform agenda and ensuring continuity in its technical assistance and advisory role.

Among other, discussions zoomed in on advancing customs transit declarations through the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS), a Europe-wide digital tool to enhance goods management and control, but also on prospects for expanding coordinated control at border crossing points to streamline operations.

“EUBAM remains a dedicated partner in strengthening border security and trade facilitation, in line with Moldova’s European integration aspirations,” emphasized Head of EUBAM. The dialogue reaffirmed the close and trusted partnership between EUBAM and the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, setting a constructive tone for current and future collaboration.

On 3 April, EUBAM convened a critical meeting in Chisinau, bringing together key security agencies to address vulnerabilities and enhance Moldova’s Administrative Line coordination.

Representatives from the General Police Inspectorate, the General Inspectorate for Migration, and the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova attended the session, focusing on a comprehensive threat assessment and the necessary steps to bolster inter-agency cooperation. Participants reviewed the progress, key findings, and the following steps to address emerging security risks.

At the end of last year, the Group produced its first comprehensive threat assessment, including the movement of illicit goods, illegal migration, and potential VAT fraud involving undervalued imports. To mitigate the threats, EUBAM partnered with the Moldovan Police Academy and the Romanian Border Police to deliver specialised training for 20 regional police officers. The training sessions included document security, vehicle inspections, and X-ray scanning techniques, contributing to operational capabilities along the AL. The Mission also provided on-the-job training to 120 officers at key locations throughout the year. The mentoring covered cargo and vehicle checks, customs documents checks and inspection of personal belongings.

 

 

EUBAM Head Slawomir Pichor met with Frank Bracco, Country Director for the Tony Blair Institute in Moldova, to discuss potential collaboration on enhancing the Republic of Moldova’s sanctions enforcement capabilities. The meeting underscored both organisations’ shared goal of supporting the country’s efforts to align with international sanctions regimes.

EUBAM briefed Director Bracco and his team on its mandate and activities including a recent seminar on sanctions enforcement and an upcoming joint operation on dual-use goods.

With Moldova prioritising stronger sanctions implementation, both parties identified opportunities for knowledge-sharing initiatives and training programs designed to bolster the capacity of Moldovan authorities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Between 25-27 March, experts from EUBAM and Frontex provided essential support for Moldovan Border Police in enhancing their capabilities in combating smuggling.

Held at the Border Police Sector Brinza in Cahul, the training focused on advancing the skills of 15 officers from the canine units. Over three days, participants received both theoretical and hands-on training in various techniques to improve their effectiveness in detecting hidden objects.

Officers were trained in effective search methods for vehicles, minivans, buses, and trucks, allowing them to strengthen their efforts in combating cross-border crime. It included the operation of portable X-ray scanners and inspection equipment and specialised techniques for using service dogs in smuggling detection.

This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance Moldova’s border security and align its practices with EU standards.

2024 marked the third year of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, with both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova facing unprecedented challenges. Despite these hardships, they have made remarkable progress in their EU accession journey, strengthening cross-border cooperation and customs management.

The Mission has continued to support the Ukrainian trade and EU-UA Solidarity Lanes. Our third International Trade Facilitation Forum gathered decision-makers from partner countries and the EU Commission to discuss the transformative nature of the Lanes, which have evolved from an emergency measure into a strategic tool for enhancing EU connectivity and regional cooperation. Significant progress has been made with the establishment of joint control at the Kuchurhan-Novosavitskoye rail border crossing point (BCP) and the Reni-Giurgiulesti BCP at the Moldova- Ukraine border while envisaging coordinated control at the Giurgiulesti-Galati BCP at the Moldova-Romania border will pave the way for further improvements in the region’s cross-border trade.

The war in Ukraine increased pressure on illegal migration, further fuelling organised crime. To help our partners address this challenge, EUBAM organised a series of targeted training sessions on migrant smuggling, document security, and behavioural analysis, among other key areas. With Ukraine introducing criminal liability for goods smuggling, EUBAM strengthened cooperation with the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, the agency leading the fight against economic crimes. EUBAM ramped up its support through joint operations to combat customs fraud, enhance information exchange, and detect illicit cash flows – particularly at Chisinau Airport, which the adversary attempted to exploit as a channel for funding illegal activities.

The Mission continued to actively support stronger and more effective border security through a series of capacity-building events, including Train the Trainer programmes to maximise outreach and long-term impact. In total, eighteen training sessions were held, engaging over 530 officers. Equally important to these capacity-building efforts, EUBAM provided essential technical equipment worth nearly EUR 600,000, responding to specific needs identified by partner services to enhance border management further.

“The EU’s and EUBAM’s support remain essential for regional stability through initiatives like the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes and the continued focus on enhancing security and tackling organised crime. As we move forward, we must stand united to overcome the greater challenges ahead,” emphasises Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM.

Read the report here: https://eubam.org/publications/eubam-annual-report-2024/

EUBAM has continued collaborating with the European Commission to enhance the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, focusing on advancing coordinated control in the Lower Danube transport corridor. The partnership also facilitated a field visit by DG Move representatives to the Republic of Moldova-Romania border.

The visit, led by Alain Baron, Team Leader of TEN-T & Solidarity Lanes, and Policy Officer Ina Miškulin from DG Move, aimed to strengthen the Solidarity Lanes framework by extending joint and coordinated controls between the Republic of Moldova-Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova-Romania. This initiative builds on commitments made during the Quint meeting in January, where all involved parties reaffirmed their dedication to the shared objectives.

EUBAM’s customs expert, Ciprian Rusu, supported site visits to the Giurgiulesti-Galati and Giurgiulesti-Reni border crossings along with the EUBAM field team on 12 March and the Albita-Leuseni border crossing on 13 March. The visit to Giurgiulesti-Galati focused on operationalising coordinated controls and identified additional infrastructure and equipment needs for ongoing improvements.

This was followed by a meeting in Chisinau with the Head of EUBAM, Slawomir Pichor, where progress on EU-funded border projects and the results of optimising border crossings through coordinated control were discussed. The Head of EUBAM highlighted that joint and coordinated controls have proven effective in speeding up crossings, reducing overlapping activities, ensuring better integrity at the border, and supporting trade compliance. Both sides agreed to continue advocating for smoother cross-border connections in the region.

 

On 17 February, Head of EUBAM met with the Valentin Fiodorov, Head of the Moldovan General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM) to discuss critical issues concerning migration management. The meeting focused on the ongoing challenges posed by illegal migration, and the trends shaping migration flows in the region.

This significant meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between IGM and EUBAM to address the evolving migration challenges. Both organizations emphasized the need for a coordinated and comprehensive response to these pressing issues. The discussion also underscored the continued commitment of both parties to working together to implement more effective measures for migration management, ensuring security and stability in the region.

The meeting marked a step in fostering a collaborative approach, laying the foundation for future initiatives aimed at tackling migration challenges in a coordinated and efficient manner.

EUBAM-led Interagency Regional Analytical Group (IRAG) convened for a working meeting at the Palanca – Udobne – Mayaki Jointly Operated Border Crossing Point (JOBCP), gathering key Ukrainian law enforcement and border management agencies, alongside representatives from the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM).

Moderated by Flavius Onofrei, Interim Head of the EUBAM Office in Moldova, the meeting finalized the 2024 Summary Report, marking progress in institutionalizing best practices for regional security. Representatives from each participating agency detailed their contributions, underscoring advancements in intelligence-sharing, risk analysis, and joint operations.

Looking ahead, the group established strategic benchmarks for 2025 and reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability through intelligence-led initiatives and interagency collaboration. Aligning its strategic priorities with EU standards, IRAG aims to bolster efforts to counter illicit activities and enhance the security of Ukraine’s borders in the Odesa region.

 

On 30 January the Head of EUBAM participated in a high-level seminar organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), focusing on the digital transformation of multimodal data and document exchange in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

The discussions, held within the broader framework of modernizing cross-border trade and transport corridors, highlighted the importance of aligning both countries with EU standards to facilitate more efficient and secure trade flows.

In the seminar, the Head of EUBAM, Slawomir Pichor,  emphasized benefits of digitalizing trade and transport information flows and data sharing required for goods clearance process in improving border management and strengthening regional connectivity and economic integration. EUBAM plays a strong role in assisting the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in facilitating trade, combating smuggling, and improving border security, all crucial elements in their path toward closer ties with the European Union.

The event, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Moldova, the European Union, the Transport Community and TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia), brought together decision-makers and experts from the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the EU.

EUBAM, in partnership with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), hosted a high-level seminar on 22 January focused on combating the circumvention of EU sanctions. Designed as a knowledge-sharing platform, the seminar empowered Moldovan authorities to enhance their anti-fraud capabilities and strengthen operational effectiveness in addressing sanctions violations.

Sanctions circumvention happens when organisations or individuals attempt to bypass international sanctions, often through falsified documentation, rerouted trade, or the exploitation of legal loopholes. These actions undermine the integrity of the sanction’s regime, weaken global stability, and pose significant economic risks. The seminar focused on equipping Moldovan customs officials with the tools and knowledge to detect and prevent such activities. It highlighted the significance of robust networks between customs authorities, law enforcement agencies, and international partners in combating sanctions violations effectively.

Through collaborative efforts, participants explored best practices and effective strategies to detect, prevent, and respond to sanctions circumvention. Practical sessions equipped Moldovan customs officials with essential skills to ensure compliance with international sanctions, which are vital tools for promoting global stability, peace, and economic integrity.

“Sanctions work best when as many actors as possible implement them. To ensure the highest effectiveness, the EU seeks to build the broadest coalitions of countries to align with its measures. The EU coordinates on the adoption of new sanctions with like-minded third states when foreign policy goals are shared,” emphasised Agnieszka Wawrzyk, EUBAM advisor on the Transnistrian issue.

EUBAM, OLAF, and Moldovan authorities stand united in their commitment to this mission, underlining the importance of a coordinated approach to tackling the challenges of sanctions circumvention.

Last week, EUBAM conducted a series of high-level meetings in Kyiv to enhance cross-border cooperation and address security challenges. Key discussions focused on efforts to bolster border security, combat cross-border crime, and chart the path for the Mission’s future mandate.

On 15 January, Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, and Lajos Karakas, Head of the Planning, Analysis & Coordination Office/OiC, convened with Serhiy Perkhun, Acting Director of the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (ESBU), and his team in Kyiv. The discussions focused on fortifying stability at the Ukraine-Moldova border and addressing shared challenges, including organized crime, smuggling, and illicit trade. The meeting culminated in a renewed commitment to collaborative efforts, including combating transnational crime, conducting joint training sessions, and enhancing ESBU’s analytical capabilities. These discussions build on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2024, reaffirming the mutual dedication to secure borders and regional stability.

On 16 January, EUBAM representatives met with Rolf M. Hay Pereira Holmboe, the Head of the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine, to strengthen the coordination of activities between the two Missions. The dialogue centred on aligning efforts to promote effective border management and provide strategic advisory support to Ukraine.
Meetings with other high-level officials also included Oleg Golovash, Chief of the Chairman’s Staff of the Security Service of Ukraine; Vladyslav Suvorov, Deputy Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine; Olha Bokhonska, Director of the Department General for the EU and NATO; and Paun Rohovei, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and focused on EUBAM’s mandate extension. The meetings explored potential initiatives to expand the Mission’s scope, strengthen collaboration, and align priorities for addressing emerging challenges. The engagements provided a platform to exchange insights, explore synergies, and align priorities, ensuring continued progress toward shared goals.

 

The Moldova-Romania-Ukraine Regional Customs Coordination Group gathered virtually on 19 December, under the leadership of EUBAM Head Slawomir Pichor, to review the operational situation at the borders and discuss key developments in cross-border trade.

The meeting, attended by customs and border police officials from all three countries, concluded that the operational situation remains stable. There are no significant waiting lines at border crossings despite the immense pressure on the ports in Odesa. Ukrainian cargo continues to be processed efficiently by Odesa customs, with no grain, passenger, or bus queues. While air alerts occasionally cause some disruption, standard operating procedures remain to address any challenges. Additionally, Ukraine is implementing new technology to further expedite customs clearance processes. Seasonal traffic patterns, impacted by the holiday season, were also discussed.

The meeting also reviewed progress in coordinated control initiatives, particularly at the Giurgiulesti-Galati Border Crossing Point (BCP). Moldova and Romania have signed an agreement, though it is still pending Romanian political approval.

An update on implementing the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) in Moldova was presented to the coordination group with hopes for an earlier launch, depending on recommendations and the progress of integration processes. All elements required by the Moldova Customs Service (MDCS) have already been implemented, ensuring a smoother transition.

Throughout 2024, the EUBAM-led Regional Customs Coordination Group met four times to improve border management and facilitate cross-border trade in the Lower Danube region. Key achievements include optimizing border infrastructure, enhancing customs and food safety controls, and reducing congestion on major transport routes for Ukrainian exports.

Significant strides were made in advancing the Green Corridor concept, with joint control operations between Ukraine and Moldova at the Reni-Giurgiulesti BCP, and coordinated control between Moldova and Romania at the Giurgiulesti-Galati BCP. Preparations for the operational readiness of the Reni-Giurgiulesti BCP were completed, and efforts to open additional BCPs and redirect empty trucks have contributed to further reducing waiting times.

The EUBAM-led group continues to work to support efficient and secure border management, which is crucial for the region’s economic integration and resilience.

1000 days ago Russia started its full-scale, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Its repercussions are devastating.

We admire the determination of Ukrainians to defend their country. Ukraine’s fight for its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity is also about safeguarding fundamental human values and principles of international law.

We call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine.

Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. We will continue supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. As HRVP Josep Borrell said, we commit to supporting Ukraine with whatever it takes to win the war and to win the peace.

From 5-8 November, the Center of Excellence in Border Security in Ungheni hosted a training course on advanced techniques for object operation, detection, and analysis using inspection and scanning equipment to combat smuggling.

The course, organized by IOM Moldova with support from EUBAM and FRONTEX, was led by EUBAM customs expert Daniel Luca. A total of 11 Moldovan border police officers and 8 customs officers participated, gaining theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The training focused on using portable X-ray scanners and advanced search techniques for vehicles, including minivans, buses, and trucks. This initiative enhances the capacity of border and customs authorities to detect and combat smuggling more effectively.

During the fourth edition of the “Basic Course on Security Sector Reform” held in Chișinău, Head of the EUBAM Office Chisinau, Anssi Kartila, delivered a keynote speech on the Mission’s key activities and its impact in strengthening regional border security and cooperation. His address underscored EUBAM’s crucial role in fostering Integrated Border Management (IBM) and supporting cross-border collaboration within the region.

Kartila’s insights contributed to the panel discussion, “The role and mandate of EUBAM in the region – developing and strengthening border security and IBM,” which played a special part in achieving the objectives of the course, organized by the Romanian National College of Home Affairs in partnership with the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy. The event marked a significant step in advancing security sector reform through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Between 28 October and 1 November, EUBAM organized an intensive Train-the-Trainers course on second line checks for eight officers from the Moldovan Border Police. The course aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of MDBP officers, equipping them to train their colleagues in advanced border control techniques.

This course covered various second-line inspection procedures, including in-depth document verification, detailed interviewing, biometric screening, thorough luggage and vehicle searches, and advanced database checks.

Two experts from the Romanian Border Police and one from the Finnish Border Guard led the training, sharing best practices and expertise in second-line inspection procedures. These skills will enable Border Police officers to conduct more effective screenings, enhancing border security while maintaining smooth operations for legitimate travellers.

 

On 31 October, EUBAM held its annual Task Force Tobacco meeting in Chisinau, Moldova, uniting representatives from law enforcement agencies across Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, Europol, OLAF, and the private sector. The meeting addressed the evolving dynamics of the illegal tobacco trade, an issue exacerbated by the current geopolitical landscape and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

Discussions centred on the illicit cigarette trade, examining its sources, trends, markets, countermeasures, and the confiscation and recovery of assets derived from illegal activities. Participants highlighted an increase in the illicit tobacco market. EU member states have witnessed a surge in the illegal movement of cigarettes from Moldova and Ukraine, and the latter a rise of locally manufactured, counterfeit cigarette consumption.

The demand for illegal cigarettes has increased considerably after Russia’s unjustified war of aggression on Ukraine. As normal supply chains were cut, many clandestine factories were opened here in Europe to produce on the spot. Participants emphasized the importance of tackling illicit cigarette manufacturing, given its widespread impact on public health, social welfare, and economies. They focused on developing more effective strategies to combat this illegal trade and protect public health and revenue streams through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The meeting also highlighted recent achievements in anti-smuggling efforts. Participants reviewed case studies showcasing improved collaboration with EU enforcement bodies to intercept shipments before they reach EU markets. The Task Force assessed technological advancements and intelligence-sharing frameworks to enhance interdiction efforts across partner nations further.

Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, noted that this annual meeting is essential to bolstering coordinated efforts in tackling illegal tobacco flows, especially as the war in Ukraine continues to alter smuggling routes.

On 24 October, Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, engaged in a collaborative discussion with Odesa Border Guard, Customs, Restoration and Infrastructure Development leaders. The focus was on border security, Ukraine trade, and border infrastructure, all in the context of current threats.

In a meeting with Andrii Koliver, the newly appointed Acting Head of Odesa Customs, the parties discussed the operational situation at Odesa Black Sea Ports, road, rail, and river border crossing points in the context of Ukrainian exports and the challenges they face. Following this, the Head of EUBAM met with Oleksandr Kabachynskyi, Deputy Head of the Infrastructure Recovery and Development Service. They discussed infrastructural projects for roads, border crossing points, and truck waiting zones in the Odesa region. Later, Slawomir Pichor met with Brigadier General Yurii Petriv, Head of the Southern Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service. The two discussed border security threats, including illegal border crossings along the Moldova-Ukraine border.

“We see the commitment and the high price that our Ukrainian partners pay to resist Russia’s war of aggression. We are proud to continue our support to foster stability and economic resilience in the region,” Slawomir Pichor emphasized.

The European Union has provided the Border Police of the Republic of Moldova with essential equipment to modernize technical infrastructure and border communication systems. This donation responds to the urgent needs expressed by the national authorities of the Republic of Moldova in the context of the refugee crisis and border security concerns. The new equipment will also align Republic of Moldova’s border security standards with EU norms and tools, including the European Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR). The EU donation, valued at approximately €280,426.22 (over 5 million MDL), was provided through the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM).

The handover event was attended by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Adrian Efros, the head of the General Border Police Inspectorate, Ruslan Galușca, the Programme Manager from the EU Delegation to Moldova, Sophie Dagand, and the Head of EUBAM Mission, Slawomir Pichor.
A vital component of this donation is the acquisition and installation of a modern telephone exchange, ensuring secure and efficient communication between Border Police subdivisions and patrols and enabling faster coordination and response on the ground. This system represents an investment of approximately €226,746.

The donation also includes a state-of-the-art video wall controller, essential for video monitoring and patrol coordination at the border. This system integrates video feeds from various checkpoints, facilitating rapid and efficient incident response, valued at about €53,680.
With EUBAM support, the Border Police’s Green Line has also been equipped with an automated call-handling system, allowing operators to focus on more complex cases.

“These systems will enable efficient information management, ensuring good connectivity between operational units in real-time and supporting rapid action in critical moments, contributing to coordinated responses,” noted the Minister of Internal Affairs, Adrian Efros.

“Moldova’s EU candidate status motivates us to prioritize the modernization of institutional capabilities for collective security. Our borders are essential for our citizens and European Union’s safety, an ambitious goal supported by clear National Action Plans and Strategies. With our partners’ support, we can turn these plans into reality, ensuring a safe, well-coordinated border that meets the highest European standards,” the Head of the General Border Police Inspectorate, Ruslan Galușca, mentioned.

“This EU assistance, provided through the EUBAM Mission, reflects our commitment to providing Moldovan law enforcement with the best conditions to operate in a challenging and rapidly evolving environment while strengthening border security. The purpose of this assistance is not only to counter security threats, but also to protect the most vulnerable individuals, whether Moldovan citizens or refugees,” stated Sophie Dagand, Security and Migration Programme Manager from the EU Delegation to Moldova.

“We are honoured to support the Moldovan Border Police’s mission to strengthen border security. The equipment delivered will serve as the foundation for the operations centre, enabling real-time monitoring, visualization, and analysis of video data through secure channels,” emphasized the Head of EUBAM Mission, Slawomir Pichor.

The General Border Police Inspectorate expresses gratitude for the continuous support provided by the EU and EUBAM in modernizing the operational capacities of the institution. The close collaboration with the EU and Member States has produced a real, visible impact in strengthening the institutional capacities, directly contributing to the development of a modern Border Police, able to respond to the current challenges.

 

A webinar focusing on synchronized checks at border crossing points (BCPs) provided 40 officers from the Moldovan and Ukrainian customs and border services with crucial knowledge of legal frameworks and practical implementation. The training event featured six experts from Estonia, Finland, and Georgia, who shared their countries’ advanced approaches to cooperation between customs and border authorities.

The presentations emphasized the mutual use of databases and the delegation of competencies between services at BCPs, showcasing the high level of collaboration in Estonia, Finland, and Georgia. Moldovan and Ukrainian officers demonstrated significant interest in the legal framework, which provides a legal basis for mutual delegation of competencies between services and implementation of best practices. This will boost the development of synchronized checks at the Moldova-Ukraine border.