Newsroom Type: News

As the Republic of Moldova prepares to introduce a 20% Value Added Tax on imported vehicles beginning January 2026, EUBAM, in partnership with Germany’s Federal Customs Administration, hosted a specialized webinar focusing on the customs valuation of imported vehicles within the European Union, with a particular emphasis on the German experience.

The event was initiated by the Moldovan Customs Service and supported by the Ministry of Finance of Moldova. It brought together 170 participants, including customs experts from both Chisinau and Tiraspol, representatives from the Ministry of Finance, and professionals from EU partner institutions. The webinar aimed to explore best practices in customs valuation and support Moldova’s broader efforts to align its fiscal and customs systems with European standards.

Opening the session, EUBAM Advisor Agnieszka Wawrzyk highlighted the pivotal role that accurate customs valuation will play in Moldova’s fiscal reform efforts. She underscored how strengthening valuation practices is essential to ensuring transparency, compliance, and effective revenue collection under the forthcoming VAT changes.

The session provided participants with both theoretical foundations and practical tools related to EU customs valuation. Discussions covered methods used across the EU, including procedural implementation and risk assessment techniques, as well as the application of Article 7 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Attendees were also introduced to modern verification methods using internet-based tools and engaged with real-world case studies to deepen their understanding.

The event served not only as a training opportunity but also as a platform for peer exchange. As the Republic of Moldova advances its customs reforms and strengthens institutional capacity, initiatives like this webinar underscore the importance of international collaboration and knowledge-sharing in building a resilient and modern customs administration.

 

On 5 August EUBAM hosted a joint meeting at its premises to address challenges related to the collection of fees at the Reni–Giurgiulesti jointly operated border crossing point (JOBCP).

It brought together representatives from the Moldovan Customs Service and the National Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Moldova. Participants discussed current obstacles in the fee collection process and explored practical solutions to enhance coordination and streamline procedures. A key outcome of the meeting was the understanding reached with the Moldovan agencies to strengthen their engagement with banking and financial institutions in the Republic of Moldova, with a view to facilitating the installation of an ATM machine at the Giurgiulești – Reni JOBCP. This initiative aims to streamline fee payment for individuals and businesses crossing the border.

In addition, the Moldovan Customs Service expressed its readiness to engage with its Ukrainian counterparts in Odesa at the regional level to explore the possibility of convening a joint meeting at the JOBCP. The objective would be to review and, where appropriate, update the current technological scheme to incorporate provisions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the ATM. EUBAM remains committed to providing its full support and facilitating dialogue to help all parties identify a practical and sustainable way forward.

With the support of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), Moldovan authorities have carried out a coordinated operation targeting a major freon smuggling scheme, resulting in seven searches and the arrest of two individuals.

Acting under the guidance of the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases (PCCOCS), officers from the Moldovan Customs Service conducted searches in Chișinău and surrounding areas as part of a criminal investigation into the illegal import of tetrafluoroethane (freon), a controlled refrigerant substance.

The investigation revealed that a group of suspects had acted in coordination, each with a clearly defined role, to smuggle freon into the Republic of Moldova under the cover of customs warehouse storage. The scheme was uncovered during routine inspections by the Customs Service’s Mobile Teams, who—supported by EUBAM’s customs expert—identified significant discrepancies between the declared goods and the physical cargo. EUBAM played a crucial role in facilitating intelligence exchange with the Romanian Customs Authority, which helped expose the cross-border nature of the illicit operation. It was found that part of the shipment had been entirely removed, while the rest had been deliberately substituted to match the declared weight. The estimated value of the smuggled freon exceeds 600,000 Moldovan lei (approximately EUR 118,000).

As a result of the operation, law enforcement officers seized electronic storage devices, mobile phones, and handwritten documents relevant to the case. Two Moldovan nationals, aged 46 and 62, have been placed in preventive detention for 30 days by court order.

This joint effort highlights EUBAM’s continued commitment to strengthening the capacity of Moldovan border and customs authorities to detect and prevent cross-border crime, in line with EU standards and best practices.

Photo credits: Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova 

 

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and support the digital transformation of customs procedures, EUBAM facilitated a study visit by representatives of the Moldovan Customs Service to the headquarters of the Romanian Customs Authority in Bucharest on 2–3 July 2025.

Organised at the request of the Moldovan Customs Service and in close coordination with the Romanian Customs Authority, the visit focused on e-customs knowledge transfer, with particular emphasis on the exchange of expertise related to risk management practice, customs IT systems, and digitalization processes in line with EU standards.

During the two-day programme, Moldovan officials had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into Romania’s advanced risk analysis tools, integrated customs IT systems, including the implementation of electronic declarations and customs data management. Discussions also addressed Romania’s experience in aligning customs operations with the Union Customs Code and the broader objectives of the EU’s digital customs agenda. The visit underscored the value of peer-to-peer engagement in fostering institutional learning and enhancing the capacity of partner customs authorities to adapt to evolving operational and technological challenges. It also highlighted the importance of effective risk-based customs control systems in facilitating trade while maintaining border security.

“EUBAM remains committed to supporting partner services in Moldova and Ukraine in their efforts to align with EU practices and strengthen their institutional capacity. The Romanian model offers valuable lessons for the digital transformation of customs procedures and the integration of risk management in daily operations,” explained EUBAM customs expert Mitica Dumitrascu.

This visit is part of EUBAM’s broader capacity-building component, aimed at reinforcing cross-border cooperation, improving border and customs procedures, and contributing to the harmonisation of operational standards in the region in line with EU integration goals.

 

EUBAM participated in a field meeting of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU, held in Vinnytsia. At the invitation of the Committee, Flavius Onofrei, Head of EUBAM’s Office in Moldova, and expert Pawel Borej took part in the visit, which focused on the development of border infrastructure and integrated border management along the Ukrainian-Moldovan border.

In addition to Committee members, the meeting gathered key national and regional stakeholders, including Deputy Minister for Communities and Territorial Development Serhii Derkach, First Deputy Head of the State Border Guard Service Major General Volodymyr Nikiforenko, Deputy Head of the State Customs Service Vladyslav Suvorov, Deputy Head of the EU Advisory Mission to Ukraine Mora O’Sullivan, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova Paun Rohovei, and representatives of regional authorities, civil society, and international partners.

Ahead of the meeting, participants visited several key locations along the Ukrainian-Moldovan border, including the border crossing points in Mohyliv-Podilskyi and Bronnytsia, as well as the construction site of the bridge over the Dniester River near Yampil. These visits provided an opportunity to assess current conditions and discuss the way forward.

During the meeting, participants also discussed the implementation of the EU’s recommendations on integrated border management, presented in the European Commission’s 2024 Enlargement Package Report, and the crucial role of parliamentary oversight in advancing Ukraine’s border management strategy as part of its EU integration path. In his remarks, Flavius Onofrei emphasized the importance of further strengthening border management cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova. He pointed to several areas where continued development could bring tangible benefits, including expanding border-crossing capacity, upgrading infrastructure, and ensuring greater alignment of customs and control procedures.

He also shared potential avenues for progress, such as the establishment of Jointly Operated Border Crossing Points (JOBCPs), the digitalization of border procedures, and fostering closer coordination among all relevant border management stakeholders. “EUBAM remains committed to supporting Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities in streamlining border procedures, reducing duplication of controls, and strengthening cooperation through an integrated border management approach,” said Flavius Onofrei. “Alignment and correlation of border-related procedures among stakeholders is key to improving efficiency and ensuring secure and well-functioning borders.”

EUBAM underlined its role in supporting regional security cooperation during the 13th Regional Working Group “I-FORCE” on Combating Cybercrime, hosted by the General Police Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova and organised by the INTERPOL General Secretariat on 23-24 June.

The two-day event gathered cybercrime experts, law enforcement officers, and international partners from across Europe to strengthen collective action against digital threats. Participants included representatives from Romania, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Representing EUBAM, Flavius Onofrei, Head of the Mission’s Office in Moldova, contributed as a speaker in two expert panels: “Regional Threat Landscape: Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment for Eastern and Southeastern Europe”, and “The Role of EU Agencies in Enforcement.” He highlighted EUBAM’s contribution to strengthening the resilience of border and law enforcement agencies in both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine and emphasized that EUBAM acts as a trusted partner in building institutional capacities, facilitating operational coordination, and aligning national procedures with European Union standards. “In today’s evolving threat environment, cooperation is essential,” Flavius Onofrei noted. “EUBAM has brought added value by fostering dialogue, providing expertise, and ensuring effective coordination across borders, especially along the EU’s Eastern frontier.”

The meeting focused on exchanging best practices for preventing, investigating, and countering cybercrime. Strategic topics included operational capacity-building, institutional coordination, and advancing EU–partner state cooperation in the digital domain. Discussions also underscored the importance of aligning Moldova’s law enforcement practices with EU frameworks. The event was opened by Vladislav Cojuhari, Secretary General of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Lilian Carabeț, Deputy Chief of the General Police Inspectorate, who acknowledged INTERPOL’s key role and thanked partners for their continued support.

 

 

On 24 June, Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, participated in the 13th meeting of the European Union Security Hub, held in Chisinau. It carried special significance as it marked nearly three years since the establishment of the EU Support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management in the Republic of Moldova.

The event brought together national and international experts, EU partners, and representatives from Europol, Frontex, CEPOL, Eurojust, the OSCE, SEESAC, EUBAM, and Moldovan authorities to discuss new strategic directions in the field of security. The focus was on identifying joint solutions to current challenges and developing efficient response mechanisms.

Over the past three years, more than 1300 decision-makers, managers and specialists from across Europe have come to Moldova with a common goal: to strengthen citizens’ security and protect democratic values. The Hub has become a key platform for policy development, knowledge sharing and operational cooperation among partners.

The Security Hub has delivered tangible results. In 2023 alone, partners carried out approximately 110 operational actions through EMPACT, produced the first OSINT analysis on Moldova and submitted it to Europol, and conducted more than 15 joint investigations, helping to identify and counter emerging cross-border crime trends. Moldova also hosted the first two Eastern Forums on border security and border management, bringing together officials from over 10 countries and reinforcing Moldova’s role as a security contributor to the European Union.

Key topics on the agenda included combating organised crime, enhancing information exchange between national authorities and European agencies, and strengthening the capacity of frontline personnel. These efforts directly support the protection of families, communities and society at large, helping to ensure a safe and stable environment for all. Discussions also addressed the performance of Moldova’s security systems in light of the new European strategic framework, highlighting progress made and setting priorities for the next phase of cooperation.

Today, the Hub serves as a multifunctional platform for prevention, response, and collaboration, demonstrating what is possible when policy, training, and operations come together in the name of public safety, both in Moldova and across Europe.

In a joint effort to enhance border security and prevent vehicle-related cross-border crime, IOM Moldova, with the support of EUBAM and Frontex, organised three specialised training sessions last week on advanced techniques for detecting and identifying counterfeit or manipulated Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs).

The training sessions brought together 40 officers from the Moldovan Customs Service and the General Inspectorate of Border Police. The program aimed to strengthen participants’ practical skills in identifying falsified VINs at border crossing points and verifying documentation associated with vehicle import and export procedures. VIN tampering is often linked to transnational crimes such as vehicle theft, customs fraud, and illegal trade. Enhancing officers’ ability to detect such manipulation is a vital step in strengthening Moldova’s border management and aligning operational procedures with European Union standards.

“This training reflects the power of partnership and the shared commitment of EUBAM, IOM, and Frontex to support Moldova’s border and customs authorities in building expertise and resilience against cross-border threats,” said Daniel Luca, customs expert at EUBAM.

The initiative was made possible with the financial support of the European Union, underlining its continuous commitment to enhancing regional security and supporting Moldova’s path toward greater alignment with EU practices.

The 41st meeting of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) Advisory Board was held in an online format on 26 June. The Head of Mission, Slawomir Pichor, presented an overview of EUBAM’s activities and achievements over the past six months. Throughout this period, EUBAM remained firmly committed to its role as a trusted facilitator of regional cooperation and a driver of development in border management and operational coordination. The Mission continued to support the strategic priorities of both the Republic Moldova and Ukraine, particularly in aligning national procedures with European standards.

“As a Mission, we have worked to maintain our position as a platform for cooperation and a reliable partner in reform efforts,” noted Slawomir Pichor. “In an evolving security context, our activities have remained focused on compliance, coordination, and capacity-building.” EUBAM actively contributed to strengthening Moldova’s capacity to address trade compliance with the EU regulatory standards. The Mission continued to support the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes and coordinated control at the border between the Republic of Moldova and Romania in the Lower Danube region. In response to regional security challenges, EUBAM worked to enhance the ability of partner services to detect, investigate, and counter cross-border threats. Notably, over 400 border and customs officers from Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova received training from EUBAM, gaining practical skills to improve their daily operational performance.

In conclusion, the Advisory Board acknowledged the Mission’s efforts and the dedication of its personnel in implementing its mandate, particularly in promoting a peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, strengthening border security and integrated border management, and enhancing the operational capacity of border and customs agencies.

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.

On 9 June, the Head of EUBAM, Slawomir Pichor, held an official meeting with H.E. Mr Oleg Serebrian, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration of the Republic of Moldova. The Head of Mission was accompanied by his team, including a representative of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.

During the discussions, Deputy Prime Minister Serebrian expressed appreciation for EUBAM efforts towards regional stability, especially in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

In turn, the Head of EUBAM highlighted the progress achieved by the Mission. He reaffirmed readiness to support the Republic of Moldova in advancing confidence-building measures related to its Transnistrian region and EU pre-accession reforms.

On 27 May the Head of the EUBAM, Slawomir Pichor, took part in the latest meeting of the National Council for Integrated State Border Management, reaffirming the EU’s continued support for the Republic of Moldova’s efforts to strengthen border security and modernise its border infrastructure in line with European standards.

Chaired by the Minister of Internal Affairs, H.E. Daniella Misail-Nichitin, the meeting brought together national authorities and international partners for a strategic discussion focused on building a secure, efficient, and European border that facilitates legitimate movement and trade, while countering cross-border threats.

Key topics included the modernisation of border crossing points, the development of strategic transport corridors, and the importance of institutional coordination in managing contemporary border challenges. European partners, including Frontex, the Romanian Border Police, and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), also shared their perspectives and reaffirmed their cooperation.

A key highlight of the meeting was the launch of preparations for the National Programme for Integrated State Border Management 2026–2030, which aims to strengthen institutional capacities and update the legal framework to address evolving security dynamics.

The National Council plays a vital role in ensuring inter-agency coordination and strategic direction for Moldova’s border management system. EUBAM remains a committed partner in this effort, promoting European integration through practical cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and joint action at the border.

From 19 to 23 May, EUBAM, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Moldova and Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, conducted a specialised training course for 17 officers from the General Police Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova.

The five-day training focused on advanced techniques for operating, detecting, and analysing objects using inspection equipment and scanning devices, with the objective of enhancing national efforts to prevent and combat smuggling.

Participants received both theoretical instruction and practical training on standard operating procedures and the use of specialised inspection tools and scanning technologies applied in the examination of vehicles and confined spaces. The hands-on component allowed officers to simulate real-life scenarios and apply their newly acquired knowledge directly in the field.

This capacity-building initiative is part of broader efforts to support Moldova’s border management institutions and law enforcement bodies in addressing cross-border crime and enhancing regional security. The training was made possible thanks to the support of the Government of Canada.

Between 12–15 May 2025, EUBAM’s customs expert Daniel Luca provided ongoing support to the Moldovan Border Police through a specialized training course aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of K9 service dog units.

Organised by the Moldovan Border Police with the support of EUBAM and Frontex, the training took place at the Border Police Sector Valea Mare in Ungheni. A total of 14 officers from K9 units participated in the training, which combined theoretical instruction with practical exercises.

The sessions focused on advanced techniques for detecting and analysing hidden objects using portable X-ray scanners, service dogs, and thorough inspection methods for vehicles, including vans, buses, and trucks.

By enhancing the skills of frontline officers, the training contributes to improved border control capabilities and supports Moldova’s efforts in aligning with EU best practices in border management.

EUBAM remains committed to supporting its Moldovan and Ukrainian partners through technical assistance, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

On 14 May, the 10th meeting of the EUBAM-led Regional Customs Coordination Group between the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine brought together customs authorities and border management stakeholders to discuss operational situation at the border, latest legislative developments, and their impact on border control processes, as well as plans for modernisation and refurbishment regarding border infrastructure. The meeting was also attended by the representative of the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport of the European Commission.

 The focus of the discussion was the advancement of the coordinated control at the Giurgiulesti-Galati border crossing point (BCP), where the Republic of Moldova and Romania are preparing to introduce this in the near future. The Group welcomed the completion of the legislative process and agreed on the next steps for technical implementation. This initiative follows the launch of joint control between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine at the Reni-Giurgiulesti jointly operated border crossing point (JOBCP) in May 2024. Together, these efforts represent significant progress toward streamlining border procedures and facilitating the movement of goods along the lower Danube region en route Reni-Giurgiulesti-Galati.

The implementation of the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS) in the Republic of Moldova was highlighted as a key milestone in aligning the country’s customs procedures with EU standards. The system is currently functioning well at the national level and is scheduled for review by an external evaluation mission in June this year. Full operationalisation at the international level is targeted for 2025.

The participants also gave updates on the situation at the BCPs, noting that while traffic volumes increased during the Easter holiday period, overall operations remained stable and free of major disruptions.

Looking ahead, the Moldovan and Romanian authorities and the Service for Restoration and Infrastructure Development in Odesa Region shared their plans for BCP modernisation in 2025, including in the lower Danube region. They also presented recent results from the use of scanning and scaling technologies, highlighting the added value these tools bring to enhancing trade compliance.

“The progress we are witnessing—both in legislative alignment and practical cooperation—clearly demonstrates the commitment of the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine to building smarter, more efficient border control systems. Coordinated control at Giurgiulesti-Galati and the rollout of NCTS are not just technical upgrades; they are milestones on the path toward deeper European integration and greater regional connectivity,” emphasised Head of EUBAM, Slawomir Pichor.