News – Page 5

EUBAM joins Verkhovna Rada delegation on Ukraine-Romania border visit

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.

EUBAM delegation holds talks with Moldovan Internal Affairs Minister on enhanced security measures

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.

The Head of EUBAM explored pathways for criminal justice and law enforcement cooperation with Eurojust President

On 8 April, Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, met with Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust, and his team, highlighting opportunities for future collaboration.

The Head of EUBAM provided an extensive overview of the Mission’s recent activities, including cooperation on border management to facilitate Ukraine trade, monitoring the implementation of the EU-Moldova Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area in the Transnistrian region, and movement compliance of people and goods across the Administrative Line. In addition, the Mission enhanced resilience to border security threats through training over 400 Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs officers.

Moreover, discussions addressed the pressing issue of cross-border crime, particularly in light of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine, which has heightened the risk of transnational organized crime. The meeting served as a platform to explore potential avenues for future collaboration between EUBAM and Eurojust. Highlighting Eurojust’s pivotal role in coordinating investigations and prosecuting severe cross-border crime in Europe and beyond, both sides recognized the opportunity for enhanced cooperation.

EUBAM-led MD-RO-UA Customs Group works to accelerate Ukrainian exports

Gathering at the Galati border crossing point (BCP) in Romania on 3 April, the EUBAM-led MD-RO-UA Regional Customs Coordination Group discussed strategies to ease transportation route congestion and expedite the movement of Ukrainian goods in the lower Danube region.

The meeting brought together top management from Moldovan, Romanian, and Ukrainian Customs Services, alongside the EU High-Level Adviser on Customs and Tax Policy in Moldova and representatives from the Moldovan National Food Safety Agency and the Ukrainian State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development.

The Group received updates on the operational conditions of border crossings in all three countries and focused on implementing the Green Corridor concept in the lower Danube region to enhance the flow of goods, particularly Ukrainian exports. The triangle between three countries, traversing the southern part of Ukraine, Moldova and Romania and leading to the Constanta Port in Romania is part of this Green Corridor and is crucial for expediting trade.

Two key factors for supporting this progress are joint control between Ukraine and Moldova at the Reni–Giurgiulesti BCP and coordinated control between Moldova and Romania at Giurgiulesti–Galati BCP to enhance the efficiency of goods transportation. As regards the former, the Group agreed on a timeline for completing the administrative and physical preparations to ensure its operability by early June.

“Our partner services are nearing a significant a milestone in enhancing clearance capacity at Reni-Giurgiulesti BCP with top executives from Moldova and Romania reaffirming their dedication to further improvements in Giurgiulesti-Galati BCP. EUBAM’s focus remains on supporting the swift implementation of these promising initiatives to bolster trade resilience and ensure smoother logistics,” said the EUBAM’s Head, Slawomir Pichor.

The MD-RO-UA Regional Customs Coordination Group supports the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes. It convenes quarterly, to address traffic congestion issues for Ukrainian agricultural shipments. Comprising Customs Authorities from Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, the group serves as a collaborative forum, engaging relevant institutions to streamline the transportation process.

2023 Annual Report highlights strategic adaptations and border management efforts

Throughout the reporting period, Russia’s ongoing unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine continued to inflict significant damage on the country. Notably, the aggressor’s attacks resulted in substantial harm to Ukraine’s Black Sea and Danube port infrastructure. Additionally, the refusal to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative further strained the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes initiative, leading to increased congestion on transportation routes in the Lower Danube region.

As our partners shifted their priorities from regular to emergency border management, the Mission adapted its assistance to meet the heightened expectations. Our focus was primarily on supporting the adjustment of operational processes and infrastructure to alleviate the significant strain on border crossing points, extending our efforts beyond the geographical coverage of the EUBAM mandate.

The report comprehensively outlines EUBAM’s activities throughout 2023 and highlights the achieved results in supporting confidence-building measures across the Nistru River, implementing the Integrated Border Management concept, and combating cross-border crime.

Read the report here: https://eubam.org/publications/annual-report-2023/

EUBAM continues its steadfast support in tackling the Transnistrian issue

On 18 March, EUBAM Head Slawomir Pichor met with Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian to discuss further Mission’s technical assistance to the Transnistrian settlement process. This meeting carried significant weight, especially in light of the Mission’s recently extended mandate until November 2025, tailoring EUBAM’s actions to the evolving regional landscape.

Both parties underscored EUBAM’s role in analyzing and monitoring trends in trade and economic dynamics. They also emphasized EUBAM’s support in approximating customs and trade-related requirements between the two banks of the Nistru River.

Furthermore, they reconfirmed the importance of reinforcing capacity-building events to strengthen the settlement process through targeted initiatives related to the Transnistrian region. Enhancing confidence-building measures remains one of the key objectives within the EUBAM action plan.

EUBAM, together with the European Commission, advocates to advance joint border control initiatives

On 14 March, EUBAM facilitated the discussion between the European Commission, Moldovan, and Ukrainian customs and border authorities about the region’s near-future joint border control activities.

The meeting took place at Palanca (MD)-Maiaky-Udobne (UA) jointly operated border crossing point (JOBCP) in connection with the visit of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Operational since the end of 2017 on the Moldovan side, this JOBCP is an example of the successful implementation of Integrated Border Management principles, exemplifying effective collaboration between Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs authorities to ensure efficient and secure border crossings for travellers and trade.

Discussions included the status of the renovation works funded by the European Commission at the Reni (UA)-Giurgiulesti (MD) border crossing point, where a similar joint control initiative will be implemented on the Ukrainian territory. The crossing point is located on route Reni (UA)-Giurgiulesti (MD)-Galati (RO) in the lower Danube region under the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes to the EU and beyond.

Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, emphasized the importance of leveraging successful joint border control practices to enhance collaboration at additional border crossing points between Moldova and Ukraine. It aims to optimize procedures and infrastructure to support increased cargo traffic and capacity along the transport corridor.

The Advisory Board welcomed the EUBAM mandate extension to further strengthen border security and cooperation in Moldova and Ukraine

EUBAM Advisory Board welcomed the extension of the Mission’s mandate until 30 November 2025, recognizing it as an opportunity to fortify border security further and deepen cooperation in Moldova and Ukraine amidst the ever-evolving security landscape.

The 40^thEUBAM Advisory Board meeting was held on 6 March in an online format. In his comprehensive overview of the Mission’s activities over the past year, EUBAM Head Slawomir Pichor highlighted the primary objective of refining regulatory and border control procedures in collaboration with its national partners – the Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs authorities: “Given that the priorities of our partners had shifted from regular to emergency border management, the Mission aligned its assistance with heightened expectations”, he stated.

The Advisory Board highlighted EUBAM’s activities over the past year, acknowledging the effort to alleviate pressure on the transport corridors from Ukraine to the EU through the Republic of Moldova in the context of the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes initiative. Additionally, the Board pointed out the delivery of specialized training activities to over 400 officers to strengthen resilience at the borders against increasing challenges and threats induced by the operational context.

During the meeting, the Board commended the collective efforts of the Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs authorities in advancing joint border control measures; which enhanced border security, ensured smoother cross-border movements, and contributed to opening alternative routes for exporting agricultural products and essential goods during emergencies.

EUBAM, as an Advisory Mission, works to harmonize border control, customs, and trade procedures to meet EU standards and supports its national partners in addressing the Transnistrian issue, implementing integrated border management, and combating cross-border crime. With the extended mandate, the Board tasked EUBAM to adapt its actions in line with the regional context, providing tailored assistance to national partners in advisory support, capacity building, equipment procurement and mentoring to address emerging challenges effectively.

EUBAM Advisory Board brings together representatives from the Foreign Ministries, border and customs authorities, and law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the European Commission, the European External Action Service, the EU Delegations to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova and OSCE. The Chairman of the Board is the EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks.

EUBAM unites with the European Commission, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine to advance the Green Corridor initiative to support Ukraine’s trade

On 22 February, EUBAM joined forces with the European Commission, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine in a concerted effort to propel forward the Green Corridor initiative to streamline trade facilitation for Ukraine.

The collaborative initiative, centred on the establishment of a Green Corridor between the checkpoints of Reni (UA), Giurgiulesti (MD), and Galati (RO), seeks to expedite the movement of goods and bolster the export of Ukrainian agricultural products.

A field visit to the Galati-Giurgiulesti-Reni area, coordinated by the European Commission Directorate of Mobility and Transport DG MOVE, served as a platform for Moldovan, Romanian and Ukrainian border and customs authorities alongside EUBAM experts to convene and deliberate on strategies for setting up coordinated controls between the three countries to enhance the border crossing capacity of the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes.

The discussions revolved around identifying practical steps to implement coordinated controls and streamline border procedures, focusing on optimizing the efficiency of the Green Corridor initiative. Participants emphasized the importance of seamless cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders to realize its full potential.

EUBAM leads the effort to combat cross-border crime in the Lower Danube Region

EUBAM brought together experts from Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania to address the pressing issue of combating cross-border crime.
The meeting offered a critical insight into the evolving dynamics of criminal activities within the Lower Danube Region, spanning the borders of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania.

Participants highlighted the reorientation of routes used by smugglers and international organized crime, resulting in a diversification of criminal activities. Notably, the smuggling of cigarettes, counterfeit goods, drugs, weapons, ammunition, and industrial and electronic equipment emerged as significant challenges confronting customs authorities in the region.

A consensus emerged among the experts that closer, timely cooperation and real-time exchange of information between border customs offices are essential to prevent and combat customs fraud and smuggling effectively.

Emphasizing the importance of sharing concrete cases and intelligence, participants underscored the necessity for an operational, rapid exchange of information to enable swift verification of illegal commercial operations and fraudulent activities.

In light of these discussions, representatives from Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova recognized the imperative to enhance the exchange of information at the regional level. Furthermore, all parties agreed to coordinate joint actions to counteract cross-border crime, primarily fostering and intensifying regional and international cooperation in this critical area.

EUBAM charts path forward in meeting with Moldovan Border Police Chief to address border management priorities

On 9 February, the Head of EUBAM, Slawomir Pichor, met with the recently appointed Head of the General Inspectorate for Border Police, Ruslan Galușca, to discuss strategic priorities for the upcoming year and beyond.

The meeting served as a platform for both parties to delve into recent developments within the Moldovan Border Police and EUBAM, aligning their efforts to address evolving challenges in border management. EUBAM reaffirmed its commitment to providing tailored assistance to meet heightened expectations. Emphasis was placed on supporting the adaptation of operational processes and infrastructure to alleviate the immense pressure on border crossing points and adapt with emerging threats due to the war in Ukraine.

An integral aspect of the discussion centered on advocating for increased investments in critical border crossing points. EUBAM highlighted collaborative efforts with EU Commission services, focusing on identifying optimal locations for such investments and paving the way for potential future developments in this area that support border security.

The sides also addressed the imperative of enhancing cooperation with Ukrainian authorities on control on the Moldova-Ukraine border. It emphasized EUBAM’s vital role in bolstering dialogue and cooperation, particularly in the current context of armed aggression against Ukraine.

Furthermore, the meeting facilitated dialogue on the priorities and expectations of the Moldovan Border Police within the context of EUBAM’s extended mandate, emphasizing the need for capacity-building support. With the EU leaders’ decision to initiate accession talks with Moldova and Ukraine, the imperative for comprehensive customs and border management reforms was underscored. EUBAM reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting risk analysis, exchanging information and experience between specialists, as well as improving operational skills and technical support for optimizing the management of the Moldovan-Ukrainian border.

The talks concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening partnership and coordination to effectively address emerging challenges and foster sustainable progress in border management.

EUBAM holds meeting with Moldovan Customs Service to forge strategic work plans

On 8 February, the Head of EUBAM, Slawomir Pichor and his team had a pivotal meeting with the Director of the Moldovan Customs Service, Igor Talmazan, to chart the course of collaborative efforts for the upcoming year.

The discussions centered on both parties’ mutual goals and objectives to strengthen cooperation and enhance border management capabilities. The main topics addressed during the meeting included recent developments within the Moldovan Customs Service and EUBAM and the priorities and expectations outlined by the Moldovan Customs Service considering the extension of EUBAM’s mandate for an additional two years.

A focal point of the meeting was the ongoing support for the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes initiative, encompassing road, rail, and river Border Crossing Points (BCPs). Both parties engaged in substantive talks regarding the effective execution of this initiative and explored avenues for maximizing its impact on cross-border trade and security.

Furthermore, the meeting provided a platform to address issues about border management at the Moldova-Ukraine border, mainly focusing on areas where EUBAM’s expertise and support could be instrumental, like implementing the new Customs Code and relevant training for its enforcement.

The Head of EUBAM expressed the Mission’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Moldovan Customs to foster EU integration, regional collaboration, and economic development.

Successful meeting marks milestone as IRAG adopts its 2024 work plan

In a significant step towards enhancing collaborative efforts and strengthening regional partnerships, the Interagency Regional Analytical Group (IRAG) successfully concluded a working meeting on the adoption of the IRAG Work Plan for 2024. Building on the conclusions and agreements reached in December 2023, the meeting, held on 31 January at the Odesa headquarters, saw the active participation of IRAG members.

During the meeting, the IRAG Work Plan for 2024 was meticulously crafted, incorporating valuable contributions from the participating members. Through insightful discussions, participants reached a consensus on timeframes and assigned responsibilities to various services for the preparation of analytical papers. These papers will be developed based on the thorough analysis conducted by group members.

The meticulously prepared analytics are slated to be submitted for consideration by the Heads of Regional Services. Under the approved Work Plan, a crucial meeting with the Joint Risk Analysis Working Group from Moldova is anticipated, aiming to establish principles and methods of cooperation. Expressing a keen interest in fostering connections with Moldovan colleagues, IRAG members unanimously agreed to convene a meeting in Chisinau in late February to early March, under the auspices of the EUBAM.

The adoption of the IRAG Work Plan for 2024 reflects the group’s commitment to effective collaboration, regional security, and the establishment of meaningful partnerships. IRAG looks forward to further engagements and the positive outcomes that will undoubtedly arise from these concerted efforts.

IRAG brings together representatives from regional branches of key Ukrainian agencies, including the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service, Ukrainian State Customs Service, Special Service of Ukraine, Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (ESBU) and the National Police, to develop analytical reviews and threat assessments in the Odesa region.

EUBAM-led Arms Working Group updates situational picture and coordinates preventive measures against firearms trafficking

EUBAM together Europol, Frontex, Eurojust, OSCE, EMPACT, and representatives from law enforcement agencies in Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Poland, and Romania, recently convened for a crucial operational meeting of the Arms Working Group on 30 January.

The gathering brought together experts from the EU/international institutions and regional law enforcement agencies to delve into the national situational picture of firearms trafficking along the EU’s eastern external border. Key highlights of the meeting included in-depth discussions on the situational picture, latest significant cases, trends and challenges in the detection of illegal weapons at the border and beyond it.

While acknowledging the effectiveness of legal and preventive measures implemented by participating countries against illegal arms trade, ammunition, and explosives, the participants emphasized the need for continued vigilance. With the ongoing war in Ukraine, concerns were raised about the potential for criminal groups to exploit the situation, making it imperative to anticipate and counteract the rise in illegal weapon access and smuggling across borders.

A unanimous consensus emerged among all participants regarding the necessity to enhance control activities along the Moldova-Ukraine border. The group emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-agency and international cooperation, particularly in the realms of information exchange, both investigative and intelligence, and collaborative preventive actions.

Ukraine and Moldova collaborate to introduce seamless shuttle bus service Aerotransfer from Odesa to Chisinau Airport

Amid Russia’s unjustified attack on Ukraine, the closure of Ukrainian airspace has prompted collaborative action between Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities. Taking a strategic approach to enhance connectivity, the Odesa Military Administration, the Border and Customs Authorities of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova are actively working to establish a dedicated shuttle bus service for the Odesa-Chisinau Airport corridor. This initiative, backed by the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM), seeks to offer a vital alternative for Ukrainians seeking international travel.

On 25 January, EUBAM, in collaboration with the Odesa Military Administration, propelled the beginning of this ambitious Aerotransfer project. The primary objective is to streamline airport transfers for travellers coming from Ukraine, ensuring a seamless and efficient journey.

The kickoff meeting took place in the Palanca-Maiaky-Udobne jointly operated border crossing point that would serve as the designated point en route to Chisinau Airport for this special transfer service. The participants addressed the technical nuances of managing this bus connection at the border crossing, emphasizing the need for expedited procedures without compromising border security.

According to the Head of EUBAM, Slawomir Pichor, the idea for this service, introduced by the Odesa Military Administration, has emerged from a crucial need to support this much-needed international connection during the war:” All involved parties are open to dialogue to transform this concept into a reality, carefully considering the risk factors associated with the border security.”

The working session concluded with a commitment from all participants to develop a specific roadmap addressing the needs of the four Border and Customs Services operating in Palanca. The next meeting is scheduled to happen in early February.

EUBAM and Partner Services launch festive awareness campaign at Palanca Border Crossing Point

Over the weekend in December leading up to the holiday season, EUBAM collaborated with the Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs authorities at the Palanca-Maiaky-Udobne jointly operated border crossing point for an awareness campaign.

To ensure a smooth and joyful holiday border crossing experience into the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, EUBAM together with the Moldovan Border Police, Moldovan Customs Service and Ukraine State Border Guard Service reminded travellers about allowances and limitations.

To go the extra mile and enhance travellers’ experiences, EUBAM included thoughtful small gifts in the awareness package. Each informational leaflet provided valuable details about border crossing procedures and carried a delightful touch in the form of chocolates and stickers. This approach served a practical purpose and spread joy during the holiday season.

The collaborative effort between EUBAM and its partner services reflects a commitment to fostering positive relations and facilitating smoother border crossings.

Mission Head advocates collaborative efforts in the light of the Mission mandate extension

In a series of impactful meetings from 11-15 December in Ukraine, the Head of EUBAM fostered collaboration and addressed Mission’s future activities in the context of extended mandate until 30 November 2025.

During those days Slawomir Pichor held discussions with Olha Bokhonska, the Acting Director of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry’s Department General for the EU and NATO. The talks revolved around the EUBAM extension of the mandate, that the ministry oversaw, and Mission’s support in the context of the EU integration process. It was followed by a session with Serhii Derkach, the Deputy Minister for Community, Territories, and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine.

Meetings with Ukraine’s border and customs authorities, namely with Volodymyr Nikiforenko, the First Deputy Head of the State Border Guard Service, Major General, and Vladyslav Suvorov, Deputy Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine centered on the collaborative efforts to enhance border management capabilities with EUBAM technical assistance delivery and the implementation of the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes in the lower Danube region.

The EUBAM Head also engaged in talks with the security services and joined forces with Serhii Andrushchenko, First Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine – Head of the Antiterrorist Centre at the Security Service of Ukraine, to exchange views on cross border crime. With Yuri Marchuk, the Head of the ESBU International Relations Department and his Deputy, they focused on identifying a favorable framework for cooperation and discuss joint initiatives. Slawomir Pichor also met in Kyiv with the EUBAM implementing partner, the Chief of IOM Ukraine Alessia Schiavon.

In Odesa, he continued with a series of meetings with the high representatives of Mission’s local partners: Deputy Chief of Odesa Customs of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, Dmytro Zabavskyi, Brigadier General Yuriy Petriv, Head of the Ukraine State Border Guard Service Southern Regional Directorate, and Dmytro Radulov, Deputy Head of Odesa Regional Military Administration. Talks delved into their priorities and expectations within the scope of EUBAM’s two-year mandate extension and around the imperative need for the Mission’s support in capacity building and addressing vital issues related to border management at the Ukraine-Moldova border, where EUBAM plays a pivotal role.

According to Slawomir Pichor, EU leaders’ recent decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova means that even more robust border management and support for partners is needed. “Together, we strive to build a more secure and integrated future, emphasizing the importance of joint initiatives and technical assistance delivery in our mission for a stronger, united Europe.”

EUBAM-led Inter-agency Regional Analytical Group (IRAG) remains committed to fostering regional security

The EUBAM-led Inter-agency Regional Analytical Group (IRAG) convened in Odesa to engage in comprehensive discussions and adopt the Work Plan 2024 to shape the collaborative efforts for the year ahead.

The meeting comprised a thorough review of proposals submitted, with participants presenting up-to-date security threat overviews for the Odesa region. It encompassed detailed analyses of threat descriptions, likelihood of occurrence, and potential impacts on the Ukraine-Moldova border. An agreement was reached among the participants that the official adoption of the 2024 work plan will take place at the next meeting scheduled for January 2024. EUBAM will finalize opinions received during the session to shape the strategic approach.

Comprising representatives from regional branches of key Ukrainian agencies, including the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service, Ukrainian State Customs Service, Special Service of Ukraine, Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine (ESBU) and the National Police, IRAG is instrumental in developing analytical reviews and threat assessments.

EUBAM experts continue to strengthen border and customs expertise

In November, our dedicated field team experts continued to strengthen border and customs officers’ expertise through On-the-Job Mentoring sessions.

Throughout the month, we conducted a total of 50 sessions, with the active participation of 99 officers from Moldovan and Ukrainian customs and border authorities.

Topics covered during these sessions included border checks, customs clearance, security features of travel documents, scrutinizing Ccrnet TIR documents for risk indicators, verifying trailer VIN and more.

EUBAM-led Customs Coordination Group remains committed to supporting the EU-Solidarity Lanes initiative in the lower Danube region

On 7 December, the EUBAM-led MD-RO-UA Customs Coordination Group gathered at the Palanca (MD) – Maiaky-Udobne (UA) jointly operated border crossing point to enhance the efficiency of transportation routes for Ukrainian goods passing through Moldova to reach Romania and beyond.

This Group plays a crucial role in facilitating the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes and meets every three months, the last time in September in Cahul (MD) – Oancea (RO), to alleviate traffic congestion on transportation routes for Ukraine’s agricultural products. The Group is a forum for collaboration among the Customs Authorities of the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. It acts as a platform for other pertinent institutions involved in the process.

In addition to providing an overview of the operational situation at the border crossing points of the three countries, the meeting focused on identifying strategies to optimize the utilization of existing border infrastructure, finetune customs control of goods and control of food safety. The goal is to contribute effectively to alleviating congestion on transportation routes. Specific initiatives discussed included the possibility of opening additional border crossing points for cargo traffic, redirecting empty trucks, and implementing coordinated controls to reduce the time required for border crossings.

Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, acknowledged the heightened challenges of Russia’s ongoing strikes on transport infrastructure and harshened weather conditions. Emphasizing the collaborative nature of addressing this challenging situation, he stated, “Our Ukrainian partners highlighted during the meeting that these challenges cannot be tackled in isolation. The entire transport chain needs thorough consideration, requiring collective and swift action from all stakeholders.”