Newsroom Type: Speeches

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.

On 5 September, EUBAM and the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, laying the foundation for a strengthened partnership. The agreement outlines a commitment to collaborate closely and consult on matters of mutual interest, focusing on fighting customs fraud aimed at evading national revenues.

Under the memorandum, the parties will also identify emerging threats, crime trends, and specific investigations. “By uniting, we are enhancing our ability to tackle customs frauds effectively. This partnership marks a step towards safeguarding the economic security of Ukraine and contributing to its resilience against unjustified Russian war of aggression,” said Head of EUBAM Slawomir Pichor after the signing ceremony.

On 15 July, Head of EUBAM Slawomir Pichor and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian held a working meeting and discussed various activities that EUBAM implements in collaboration with Moldovan national authorities.

These initiatives aim to support the European Union integration process of the Republic of Moldova in customs, market surveillance, and consumer protection sectors. The efforts are particularly important as they contribute to the application of EU requirements on both banks of the Nistru River, allowing traders to access the EU market.

EUBAM has provided technical assistance worth 123,000 euros to the Moldovan Customs Service to enhance its operational capabilities. The donation includes servers, smart batteries, and printers to improve the service’s efficiency and reliability.

Head of EUBAM, Slawomir Pichor, met with Viorel Doaga, the Acting Head of the Moldovan Customs Service, to discuss the e-queue system and the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) in the Republic of Moldova, both designed to facilitate trade and quicker processing of goods in transit at border crossing points. Slawomir Pichor also received an overview of the current state of implementing coordinated control at the Giurgiulesti-Galati border crossing point between the Republic of Moldova and Romania. Additionally, they discussed EUBAM’s upcoming support for the Moldovan Customs Service, including capacity building, technical assistance, and operational activities.

Using the opportunity, the EUBAM Head presented the Moldovan Customs Service with a donation from a larger package aimed at supporting border and customs authorities in both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The Moldovan Customs Service is now equipped with new servers and components to enhance the performance and data integrity of the NCTS system. Network equipment, such as switches and antennas, will enable customs officers to set up local networks for peripheral workstations. UPS and smart server batteries will ensure an uninterrupted power supply during power cuts. Additionally, 15 multifunctional printers have been provided to ensure office operability, and 25 iPads enable Customs Posts to monitor real-time traffic on control lanes, streamlining traffic at the border and optimizing the actions of customs officers.

“EUBAM is proud to support our partners with the equipment essential for modern border management, promoting European Union standards and procedures for quicker crossings of people and goods. We are committed to contributing to a strong foundation for our partners on their European Union journey ahead,” emphasized Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM.

On 25 June, EUBAM cross-border crime expert Flavius Onofrei participated as main speaker and co-host in a webinar discussing lessons from the KPMG 2023 report on illicit cigarette consumption in Europe. He highlighted trends in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, noting a surge in illicit cigarette demand and consumption on the domestic markets of these two countries in the last two years. Disrupting important regular supply chains of illicit whites in the region and closing Ukrainian ports because of Russia’s large-scale aggression against Ukraine led both to a certain reorientation of illicit traffic routes and, in particular, to an increase in clandestine factories in Europe.

To address border security and bolster resilience, EUBAM has intensified operational assistance and capacity building for border and customs authorities in both countries. Also, due attention was given to increasing the security of the EU’s external borders and strengthening cross-border operational cooperation. Last year, EUBAM facilitated cross-border cooperation, supporting several successful investigations. A major achievement was dismantling an organized criminal group producing illicit cigarettes in the Czech Republic, resulting in a EUR 5 million tax revenue loss, seizure of over 17 million illegal cigarettes, and the arrest of 22 individuals, mainly Moldovan and Ukrainian nationals.

On 20 June, the MD-RO-UA Regional Customs Coordination Group convened at the Galaţi border crossing point in Romania, with the EUBAM Head, Slawomir Pichor, leading the session. The meeting focused on reviewing progress in border management and improving customs procedures in the Lower Danube region.

The Group received a comprehensive overview of the operational situation at the border, including waiting times, queues, and measures to speed up customs clearance. The Head of EUBAM highlighted significant recent developments, attributing them to the collective efforts of all stakeholders. A key achievement is the successful implementation of joint control at the Reni-Giurgiulești BCP, aimed at streamlining procedures and reducing border crossing times between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Moldovan and Ukrainian colleagues shared lessons learned and initial results from this joint control implementation.

Additionally, the recent political agreement between Romania and the Republic of Moldova to introduce coordinated control at the Giurgiulești-Galați BCP will further accelerate the movement of goods and people across the borders of the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. Participants visited the BCP lanes designated for extension and discussed the refurbishment needs to launch coordinated control effectively.

The customs authorities agreed that implementing the National Customs Transit System (NCTS) in the Republic of Moldova will also simplify customs transit formalities and further expedite border crossings. Moldovan authorities plan to pilot the NCTS system on 1 July 2024, including at the two discussed BCPs.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of continued collaboration and timely implementation of the discussed solutions to improve regional connectivity and support the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes Initiative. For the first time, Border Police representatives from the Republic of Moldova and Romania attended the meeting, underscoring the Group’s role in alleviating traffic congestion on transportation routes for Ukraine’s exports. This forum fosters collaboration among the Customs Authorities of the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine and serves as a platform for other relevant institutions.

On 20 June, the Head of the EUBAM Office in Moldova, Anssi Kartila, and Agnieszka Wawrzyk, Team Leader of the Transnistrian Settlement Team, hosted a pivotal meeting with a high-level OSCE delegation and discussed the current trade situation in the Transnistrian region in the aftermath of the unjustified Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.

The meeting was a dynamic exchange where EUBAM briefed their OSCE guests on ongoing activities and efforts in Moldova and Ukraine. They highlighted significant challenges and opportunities in stabilizing and revitalizing trade in the Transnistrian region. This discussion underscored the collaborative efforts needed to navigate the current landscape’s complexities and foster economic resilience in the region.

The OSCE was represented by Catherine Fearon, Director of the Conflict Prevention Center; Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, Head of Mission; Izabela Hartmann, Deputy Head of Mission; Alessandra Rognoni, Head of the Eastern Europe Desk; and Vitalie Savin, National Program Officer.

EUBAM jointly with CELBET between 10-14 June organized a study visit to the X-ray Image Analysis and Training Center of the National Revenue Administration of Poland / CELBET Center of Expertise in Gdansk and a visit to Gdynia port’s Baltic Container Terminal. The visit was aimed to exchange experience and best practices in handling X-ray scanning systems and analyzing scanned images as well as in development of training/education standards in this field.

Three representatives of the Customs Service from the Republic of Moldova and three delegates of the customs authority from Ukraine together with partners from EUBAM and CELBET gained new knowledge from their Polish colleagues. During the visit, participants were impressed by the state-of-the-art technology and expertise at the X-ray Image Analysis and Training Center. The center’s commitment to professional development and training improvement was evident in their comprehensive approach to handling X-ray scanning systems and analyzing scanned images.

This exchange of experience will undoubtedly contribute to the enhancement of non-intrusive control methods and strengthen collaboration among customs officers from Ukraine, Moldova, and Poland. EUBAM remains committed to enhancing non-intrusive control methods and fostering collaboration between Ukrainian and Moldovan customs officers.

From June 12 to 13, Moldovan Border Police communications officers were on a two-day study trip to Estonia to exchange knowledge with their counterparts on several critical areas. Organized in cooperation with Estonian Centre for International Development ESTDEV and EUBAM, this initiative aimed to foster collaboration in strategic communication.

The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) stands as a notable success, earning significant public trust and ranking among the highest in state institutions. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of long-term and targeted efforts, even amidst complex operating environments and hybrid threats.

During the visit, Estonia’s team shared invaluable knowledge on crucial topics, including crisis communication, countering online and offline disinformation, and enhancing public trust through effective strategies.

This study trip equipped Moldovan Border Police with not only tools but also strategic approaches to enhance their communication efforts, aiming to bolster public trust, increase transparency, and promote greater cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies, creating a meaningful impact.

As Moldova progresses as a candidate country for the European Union, upcoming presidential elections and an EU accession referendum in October have amplified hostile influence activities, particularly on social media. “The better state institutions protect themselves against such threats, the more assured their chosen path will be,” emphasized Mailin Aasmae, EUBAM Media and Communication Officer.

Representatives from the Moldovan Customs Service and the State Inspectorate for the Supervision of Non-Food Products and Consumer Protection recently participated in a collaborative workshop in Gdansk, Poland. Facilitated by EUBAM, the workshop focused on enhancing cooperation between customs and market surveillance authorities.

The event, which followed a successful study visit to Germany’s Market Surveillance Department in Tübingen last year, aimed to bolster professional skills and implement European standards in consumer protection practices. Participants engaged in fruitful discussions, exchanged best practices, and explored avenues for joint initiatives.

This initiative underscores the commitment of the Republic of Moldova to ensure imported goods comply with safety and health standards, raise importer awareness, and safeguard consumer rights.

On 20 May, the Interagency Regional Analytical Group (IRAG) convened at the Odesa HQ for a productive meeting, joined by representatives from the European Union Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine).

The primary focus of the meeting was to review the progress of the IRAG 2024 Work Plan and discuss insights from recent analysis reports prepared by members from Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. Key topics included the potential delivery of the Lloyd’s database and exploring support options from EUAM for IRAG, in collaboration with EUBAM.

EUBAM proposed providing valuable assistance to enhance the professional skills of the analytical units of Partner Services within IRAG. This support includes organizing training events and offering technical assistance, in cooperation with EUAM. The next IRAG meeting is scheduled for June-July in Odesa, where further discussions and strategic planning will continue.

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On 16 May, Head of EUBAM Slawomir Pichor took part in the launch of the Reni (UA)-Giurgiulesti (MD) jointly operated border crossing point after its renovation by the Ukrainian authorities. The event took place during a ceremony attended by high level officials of Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Romania, European Commission, and the United States in the frame of the multilateral meeting in the Quint format concerning the transit of grain products from Ukraine.

EUBAM has been a strong advocate for the jointly operated BCP Reni-Giurgiulesti in all aspects, underscoring its potential to improve traffic flow and enhance connectivity between Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania within the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes initiative, particularly now, during these times of severe duress. Within the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes initiative, EU has allocated a staggering €11 million aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the Danube Corridor for both current and future demands.

«This border crossing point unites two countries and represents a very good example of cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine and their readiness for enhancements in all customs and border processes. We are constantly supporting the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes in the Lower Danube region and are committed to this initiative. Also, we are glad to be part of these changes and help to make them part of routine on the way towards the European Union», Slawomir Pichor said.

Following the reconstruction, the Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs controls will be conducted jointly on the Ukrainian side, a shift from the previous arrangement where controls were performed separately on each country’s territory. This upgrade is expected to double at the very least the throughput capacity and streamline transport flows.

Moreover, the stakeholders raised talks at Giurgiulesti (MD)-Galati (RO) border crossing point and set a common agenda on prospects to introduce coordinated control between the Republic of Moldova and Romania at this BCP, which would pave a faster route toward the EU and beyond.

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

Efforts to streamline travel between Odesa and Chisinau airport reached a milestone on 25 April as stakeholders from Moldova and Ukraine gathered to assess progress on the EUBAM-backed Aerotransfer initiative.

With a focus on bolstering regional connectivity, the Odesa Military Administration, alongside Ukrainian Border and Customs Authorities, joined forces with counterparts in Moldova to advance the establishment of a dedicated shuttle bus service linking Odesa and Chisinau airport. Launched in March, the service has already completed a more than 100 trips, facilitating smooth transit for passengers.

As the Aerotransfer buses travel through the Palanca-Maiaky-Udobne jointly operated border crossing point, representatives from Ukraine and Moldova met there to analyze potential avenues for enhancement.

These collaborative efforts manifest cross-border good neighbourliness and symbolize a shared commitment to solidarity and cooperation amid adversity.

On 17 April, Milko Merdzhanov, Head of EUBAM’s Office in Ukraine, and border expert Asen Likov met with Mykola Romanchuk, Head of the 31st Chernivtsi Detachment of the Ukraine State Border Guard Service, and his team.
The conversation focused on pressing challenges in the area, including illegal border crossings, the ongoing fight against cross-border crime, and enhanced risk assessment capabilities.

EUBAM continues assisting Ukrainian colleagues at border crossing points along the Moldovan-Ukrainian state border by providing useful information, sharing EU experiences and best practices for strengthening border control.

Additionally, talks revolved around leveraging the technical expertise of EU member states to counteract cross-border crimes and make operational decisions regarding border security support.

On 15 April, EUBAM experts allied with Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada EU Integration Committee for a regional visit along the Ukraine-Romania border in the Chernivtsi region.

During the visit organised by EUAM Ukraine, the delegation took a closer look at three critical border crossing points: Dyakivtsi-Rakovets, Porubne-Siret, and Krasnoilsk-Vicovu de Sus. The participants got an overview of border infrastructure and operational capacities, with Ukrainian border and customs agencies as well as representatives of state authorities offering valuable insights into procedures and collaborative efforts to address logistical challenges. They also stressed the need to equip border crossing points with modern technology to speed up and improve the quality of operations.

Continuing the discussion on 16 April, the delegation examined the challenges and opportunities surrounding border infrastructure development along the Ukraine-Romania border. Milko Merdzhanov, Head of EUBAM Office in Ukraine, provided an overview of EUBAM’s key initiatives and highlighted the mission’s involvement in supporting the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes to streamline transportation routes in the Lower Danube region. Additionally, he outlined EUBAM’s efforts in implementing the Integrated Border Management concept and its commitment to combatting cross-border crime effectively.

On 9 April, the EUBAM delegation met with the Moldovan Minister of Internal Affairs Adrian Efros and his team to discuss EUBAM reinforced support within the extended mandate in the context of the altered security landscape, specifically the fight against cross-border crime. 

The conversation also covered practical measures to improve standard operational procedures and enhance officers’ skills needed to counter ongoing and emerging threats, as well as the equipment procurement within the EUBAM budget allocated for technical assistance. 

The Mission’s commitment to supporting Moldovan partners remains steadfast as we work together to strengthen security measures and align standards with those of EU member states.