Newsroom Type: News

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.

The European Commission’s Solidarity Lanes initiative took center stage at the 3rd International Trade Facilitation Forum, held on October 10th in Chisinau. Co-organized by the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) and the Moldovan Customs Service, the forum gathered high-level representatives to evaluate the initiative’s impact on regional connectivity, trade facilitation, and the broader integration of both countries into the European Union.

Originally introduced as an emergency response to the blockade of Ukrainian ports, the Solidarity Lanes have since transformed into a strategic framework aimed at enhancing EU connectivity and fostering regional collaboration. Forum participants praised Ukraine’s resilience in establishing alternative shipping routes and emphasized the Solidarity Lanes’ vital role in sustaining the global food supply chain and stabilizing the Ukrainian economy amid ongoing war.

Key discussions revolved around the initiative’s contributions to modernizing customs and border management, aligning procedures with EU standards, and integrating the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The need for EU financial support and infrastructure development to ensure the longevity of these efforts was also a significant topic.

Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, emphasized that from day one, the Mission has been dedicated to supporting the Solidarity Lanes, particularly in the Lower Danube region, to facilitate trade and enhance the capacity of this vital corridor: “Our goal has been to make these routes faster and more effective, and we have witnessed firsthand the progress achieved through coordinated controls and joint operations. Today, the Solidarity Lanes are no longer just an anti-crisis measure; they are part of a transformative process supporting both countries’ integration with the EU and the development of multimodal transport corridors. We must ensure they remain a reliable alternative for Ukraine’s access to global markets and safeguard their role in fostering stability and economic recovery.”

In his opening speech, the Director of the Moldovan Customs Service, Alexandru Iacub, stated: “We appreciate the constant support of the European Union and the EUBAM Mission in the form of technical and operational assistance, helping us overcome border challenges and the crises caused by the regional context. This International Forum, now in its 3rd edition, has become an important platform for dialogue, bringing together key actors involved in the effective implementation of the Solidarity Lanes, aimed at identifying optimal solutions for facilitating trade flows, easing cross-border traffic, and modernizing and improving infrastructure capacity.”

The Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Solidarity Lanes and continuing active regional cooperation to facilitate international trade and enhance the connectivity of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine to the Trans-European Transport Networks.

Participants at the forum reiterated their commitment to advancing border and transport infrastructure, promoting digitalization efforts, and creating a resilient framework that maintains EU connectivity while addressing the regional challenges posed by Russia’s ongoing aggression.

From September 25-27 and again from September 30-October 2, EUBAM held two specialized training sessions on document verification for officers from the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service and the State Security Service of Ukraine. The “train-the-trainer” courses, held at the Palanca jointly operated border crossing point, were led by certified experts from the German Federal Police.

A total of 20 officers participated in the sessions, gaining advanced skills in the control and verification of travel documents. The training covered the examination of security features and printing techniques using a wide range of passport samples from different countries. Officers also improved their abilities in identifying imposters and utilizing open-source information to verify document authenticity.

Initial feedback from participants and trainers has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the course’s relevance to the officers’ daily responsibilities. EUBAM’s initiative aims to strengthen the expertise of Ukrainian border and security personnel, enhancing their capacity to ensure border security and counter document fraud.

Between 16-20 September, EUBAM together with the Professional Development Department of the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy held a specialized training course for civil servants from the National Inspectorate of Public Security of the General Police Inspectorate.

The training emphasized practical exercises on detecting prohibited items and their concealment in vehicles, identifying fake documents, and verifying vehicle-related documentation. Led by international experts, the interactive training sparked high engagement from participants.

On 12 September, the Moldova-Romania-Ukraine Regional Customs Coordination Group convened in Chisinau, Moldova, under the leadership of EUBAM Head Slawomir Pichor. The meeting included key officials such as the newly appointed Director of the Moldovan Customs Service, Alexandru Iacub, Vice-President of the Romanian Customs Authority, Alexandru Dudu, and State Secretary Mircea Păscăluță, who presented Moldova’s bold plan to become a regional hub for international transport.

State Secretary Păscăluță outlined Moldova‘s strategic vision for transport infrastructure development, including the Lower Danube region. The long-term goal is to transform Moldova into a key player in international goods transport, with multimodal terminals planned for Ungeni, Chisinau, and Giurgiulesti port.

Among the upcoming initiatives are constructing a bypass road around Giurgiulesti village and expanding the access road between the Reni-Giurgiulesti and Giurgiulesti-Galati border crossing points to four lanes. This project, valued at over €15,000 and co-funded by the EU at 50%, is expected to significantly reduce congestion in the critical tri-border region of Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania.

Additionally, Andrii Donchenko, Head of the Service for Restoration in Odesa Oblast, provided an update on Ukraine’s plans to renovate border crossing points in the Odesa region, complementing Moldova’s efforts to streamline transport across borders.

Lidia Ababii, Deputy Director of the Moldovan Customs Service, offered insights into the progress of the implementation of the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS). This will connect Moldova’s national electronic system with the trans-European information network and streamline transit procedures for Ukrainian goods passing through Moldova and into Romania. The electronic exchange of data between Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine has the potential to greatly improve transit efficiency in the Lower Danube region.

Further updates were provided on coordinated control efforts at the Giurgiulesti-Galati border crossing point, where both physical infrastructure and formal negotiations between Moldova and Romania are advancing.

“All of the developments highlighted are indispensable for building robust cross-border connections in the Lower Danube region to support Ukrainian trade. In the longer term, these initiatives will not only benefit business and trade in Ukraine and Moldova but also contribute to deeper integration to the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T),” emphasized EUBAM Head Slawomir Pichor.