Newsroom Type: Press releases

This week EUBAM fostered a high-level trilateral meeting of the MD-RO-UA Regional Customs Coordination Group on Streamlining Cargo Traffic Flow and EU-UA Solidarity Lanes that focused on streamlining cargo flow through the corridor Reni-Giurgiulesti-Galati, one of the essential land-based corridors for Ukraine’s agricultural but also other products to the EU. The meeting was held at the Galati border crossing point in Romania.

The southern border-crossing points through the Republic of Moldova (Giurgiulesti-Reni) and further on to Romania (Giurgiulesti-Galati) have become vital lifelines for road cargo. Still, their infrastructure was not designed for such an increase in volume. As the pressure alleviation is vital for the functioning of that corridor, the neighbouring country’s customs authorities came together already the second time, having conveyed before in December, to discuss how to better manage cargo traffic in the case of emergency caused by the Russian strikes that damage critical infrastructure facilities in Ukraine thus disrupting the work of border crossing points at the Moldova-Ukraine border and having an impact on the movement across Moldova-Romania border.

The President of the Romanian Customs Authority, Mr Bogdan-Lari Mihei, together with the Head of EUBAM Slawomir Pichor, co-chaired the meeting where participants analyzed the fallback procedures used in emergency situations in the three countries, debated on improving the operational mechanism and identifying solutions to make shorter the time of reaction at the borders in case disturbances.

The representatives of the Romanian Customs Authority, Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, and State Customs Service of Ukraine appreciated EUBAM’s consistent support against the challenges in border management. “We greatly appreciate the partnership with EUBAM, and this regional customs coordination group is very important for the relations among the customs authorities of Romania, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, especially in today’s regional context where streamlining the traffic flow at the joint borders is key.”, Bogdan-Lari Mihei, President of the Romanian Customs Authority, stated.

In the spirit of good cooperation, EUBAM and the customs authorities of Romania, Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, reiterated openness to active cooperation through coordination of joint actions and intensified efforts to ensure border protection. It was also decided to establish a trilateral working group to identify solutions to reduce the burden at the borders and to better manage traffic flow, in particular for agricultural products.

“Today, our Ukrainian partners make tremendous efforts to ensure the border and economic security at this critical time. We will continue supporting you as much as we can,” says Slawomir Pichor, Head of the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine, after meetings in Kyiv and Odesa.

In Kyiv, the Head of EUBAM met with Maryna Mykhailenko, the Director of Department General for the EU and NATO from the Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Head of Mission reaffirmed continuous solidarity with the people of Ukraine and respect for those who courageously have faced Russia’s unjustified military aggression for almost one year. He informed Madam Director about the EUBAM’s actions in response to the current security situation and the programming of the Mission’s future operations. Madam Director appreciated the EUBAM’s active role in supporting refugees fleeing from war and the border control agencies in managing the emergency as well as the good running of export of Ukrainian agricultural products through the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes. She gave an overview of Ukraine’s agenda and priorities as an EU candidate country.

The meeting with Vadym Melnyk, Director of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, focused on excise tax frauds in the face of the continued war and, more specifically, the illicit tobacco trade. Ultimately, the participants identified specific areas for further cooperation to tackle offences affecting economic security.

In the agenda in Kyiv were also meetings with the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Matti Maasikas, and a.i. Deputy Chief of the IOM Mission in Ukraine, Steven Rogers, who were briefed about EUBAM’s work on the ground and developments in the mission area.

In Odesa, the Head of EUBAM met with the First Deputy Head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Borys Voloshenkov and the Head of the Southern Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Major General Serhi Mul. The Ukrainian partners talked about reinforced border enforcement measures and briefed the operational results of the activities to ensure border protection. The parties also discussed the EUBAM’s support in response to the current threats in border management and security to withstand the challenges caused by the unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine.

On the 27th of January European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) facilitated the signing of the Cooperation Action Plan between the Moldovan Customs Service and the State Inspectorate for the Surveillance of Non-Food Products and Consumer Protection. It will enhance partnerships and ensure the safety of products entering the market of the Republic of Moldova.

To ensure that unsafe or non-compliant products are not placed on the market, EUBAM brought together the customs and consumer protection authorities and facilitated several consultations to establish cooperation mechanisms in safety and compliance control. The Cooperation Action Plan was born and signed as a joint initiative to help follow best European practices and protect the Moldovan people.

During the event, the Acting Director of the Customs Service, Nicolae Vutcariov, mentioned that “market surveillance plays an important role in protecting consumers from using counterfeit products and goods, which may inflict harm to the health and safety of the users, therefore, the customs authority, with the support and assistance of the development partners and in cooperation with the State Inspectorate for the Surveillance of Non-Food Products and Consumer Protection, shall continue the awareness raising and information campaigns designated for importers in relation to their responsibility towards consumers and to protecting their legitimate rights and interests. Only with joint efforts we will manage to obtain results in this important area for the whole society.”

“We hope for effective cooperation and collaboration with the customs service because we want a market with safe products for all consumers in the Republic of Moldova. Based on notifications from the customs service, we will ensure the presence of inspectors at the place of customs clearance to be able to identify dangerous and counterfeit products and prohibit them from entering our country,” highlighted Sergiu Dărănuță, Head of the State Inspectorate for the Supervision of Non-Food Products and Consumer Protection.

“Products imported and placed on the Moldovan market must be checked to be safe and compliant before being released for free circulation. This Action Plan ensures that the citizens of Moldova as consumers will feel safer, and it will bring the country one step closer to the EU standards with regards to health and safety of consumers,” emphasized Slawomir Pichor, the Head of EUBAM, the importance of the plan.

The Moldovan Customs Service and the State Inspectorate for the Surveillance of Non-Food Products and Consumer Protection also signed the Order that will establish cooperation procedures and ensure smooth implementation of the Cooperation Action Plan.

On 30 November 2021, the 37^th Advisory Board Meeting of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine took place in an online format. The event brought together representatives from the Foreign Ministries, border, customs and law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the European Union Delegations to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the International Organization for Migration, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and United Nations Development Programme.

The Advisory Board warmly welcomed its new chairman, His Excellency, Ambassador Jānis Mažeiks and got acquainted with an overview of activities performed by the Mission for the period of June – October 2021. The participants acknowledged the progress in the implementation of EUBAM 12 Action Plan, expressing their satisfaction with the continuous and active cooperation among the Mission and its Partner Services.

EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks reiterated EU‘s commitment to build strong relations with its closest neighbours, based on genuine partnership. EUBAM is, in that respect, an illustration on how the EU continuously supports this objective, for the benefit of Moldovan and Ukrainian citizens: “I would like to congratulate all partners on the successful implementation of EUBAM 12 phase and to express our gratitude for their efforts, despite the challenges faced during this period of implementation. EUBAM continues to play a key role in promoting integrated border management and in fighting organized crime, and we would like to encourage all parties to continue their efforts for tangible results to be achieved in the coming months”.

The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, Matti Maasikas, said: “Recent crises have made the importance of a rapid and efficient coordination among cross-border agencies even clearer. The EU welcomes Ukraine’s readiness to re-criminalise smuggling to avoid losses to the state budget, to stop distorting competition among businesses and to ensure public health and safety. We are looking forward to having established legal and regulatory framework for criminalisation of large-scale smuggling including on jurisdiction for investigative mandate. We stand ready to support the agency mandated with investigative powers to develop the needed technical capacities. We also encourage Ukraine and Moldova to proceed carrying out joint border operations at the agreed border crossing points between the two countries and to expand joint control to other border crossing points along the common border, in accordance with the 2017 Agreement on Joint control, national IBM strategies and shared priorities. This is the best way to ensure people-to-people contacts, increase security and prevent cross border crime.”

Andrei Popov, the Head of Multilateral Cooperation Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova noted: “We would like to highlight the valuable contribution that the EUBAM has brought during these years to the implementation of the integrated border management, strengthening of the institutional capacity, staff training and combating cross border crime. The EUBAM advisory board meetings remain an efficient platform where we can assess the results of our common efforts, discuss in a sincere and pragmatic way the aspects that should be improved, thus giving new impetus to our further fruitful cooperation. In this context, we would like to express our gratitude to the Mission for the activity carried out in the last five months taking also into consideration the challenging times we are facing. We are convinced that we should continuously work together in order to achieve tangible results, in particular on the full implementation of the integrated border management concept. In this context, we would like to reiterate our willingness to continue our enhanced cooperation and encourage EUBAM to keep the same proactive approach in order to achieve our common goals.”

Mr. Serhii Saienko, Deputy Director General of the Directorate for the European Union and the NATO of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated: “Combating cross-border crime, including drug and illicit firearms trafficking, as in any other country, requires the consolidated efforts of law enforcement agencies. The EUBAM assisted Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in developing a government-led approach with a strategic vision to address and prevent both, which became potential threat and challenge nowadays. I would like to re-iterate the commitment of Ukraine to continue diligently implementing in full the integrated border management concept under the specific objective 2 in partnership with EUBAM and our partners from the Republic of Moldova”.

Head of EUBAM, General Slawomir Pichor thanked all the participants for their valuable contributions and said: “The developments during the reporting period have proven that, despite challenging times, it was still possible for EUBAM and its partner services to adapt to the new circumstances and move forward with the implementation of the Action Plan. With that being said, I would like to restate my appreciation to all our Moldovan and Ukrainian Partners for their cooperation and support and assure that EUBAM will continue to stay the same committed partner for contributing to a qualitative change in border management.”

The Advisory Board Meeting will meet again in June 2022.

On 25 June 2021, the 36^th Advisory Board Meeting of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine was convened in an online mode. Representatives from the Foreign Ministries, border, customs and law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the European Union Delegations to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the International Organization for Migration, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and United Nations Development Programme participated in the meeting.

Among the main topics on the agenda of the meeting were confidence-building between two banks of the Nistru River, integrated border management, and prevention of cross-border crime. Following the discussion, the Advisory Board acknowledged the achievements EUBAM and its partner services made at the backdrop of still-developing COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time the Board welcomed the recent decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to modernize priority border crossing points, as well as the agreement between the presidents of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova on the creation of a new transport corridor between Kyiv and Chisinau.

European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Peter Michalko chaired the EUBAM Advisory Board Meeting and reflected on the achievements EUBAM and its partner services made, highlighting immense progress in the cooperation between the partner services. “The areas covered by EUBAM in support of the partner services are relevant and of strategic importance, in interest of both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine: support to the Transnistrian conflict settlement, the integrated border management including establishment of the joint border control along entire joint border, and the fight against trans-border crime. The EU continues to be close partner and friend of both Moldova and Ukraine, offering its support through EUBAM but also through other instruments, like projects that provide financing for building of infrastructure at the border crossing points,” Ambassador Peter Michalko said.

The Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, Mr. Rémi Duflot, said: “Close cross-border cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, two close partners of the European Union, is of key importance, and in the interest of both of them:  it would facilitate trade and people-to-people contacts and contribute to a high level of security. To achieve this, it is essential to start carrying out joint border operations at the agreed border crossing points between the two countries. I encourage the Ukrainian side to deliver the agreed renovation works and infrastructure. We stand ready to support such efforts, including through the EU Border Assistance Mission.”

Mr. Gheorghe Leucă, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova appreciated EUBAM’s contribution to the border management and risk analysis, at the same time, acknowledging the efforts of the Mission in supporting confidence building measures, implementing integrated border management and combating cross-border crime. Mr. Leucă stated, “We emphasize the primary focus of the ABM as the review of the achieved results in the last 5 months and assessment of the way forward in the extension of the joint border control. We remain convinced that we should more actively extend the joint border control, especially on the central part of the Moldovan-Ukrainian border, in compliance with the 2017 Agreement and the provisions of the Road Map 2019-2022. We encourage EUBAM to continue the result-oriented approach in order to achieve tangible progress thus contributing to ensuring stability and security in the region.”

Mr. Serhii Saienko, Deputy Director of the Directorate for the European Union and NATO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, noted the importance of the EUBAM’s contribution in strengthening the institutional capacities of Customs and Border Guard partner services of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, as well as in enhancing their cooperation to respond to challenges of a border nature. Mr. Saienko mentioned: “Ukraine highlights EUBAM’s visibility in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova border area. That encourages and helps both countries to combine efforts to address challenges, ensure the efficiency of the integrated border management and to increase the effectiveness of countering cross-border crime.”

The Head of EUBAM, Mr. Slawomir Pichor said: “The last five months EUBAM did its best to enhance operational capabilities of our partner services through expertise, mentoring, and various capacity building events. Taking into account the recent positive developments in the epidemiological domain, I would like to express hope that the next period will bring even more opportunities for new joint initiatives and in person interaction. In the meantime let me reiterate EUBAM’s readiness to make every effort to support the border security and economic development in the region and to remain committed to the Moldovan and Ukrainian partners.”

The 37^th Advisory Board Meeting will be convened in November 2021.

On 11 June 2021, under the auspice of EUBAM, high-level representatives of the Security and Intelligence Service of the Republic of Moldova (SIS) and the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) held a trilateral meeting in Odesa. The main goal of the meeting was to broaden cooperation between security services of both countries, enhance information exchange and step up capacities to fight cross-border crime at the Moldova-Ukraine border.

In the course of the meeting representatives of two security services discuss cooperation in the light of new threats and shifting modi operandi of organized cross-border crime. The parties exchanged information on criminal activities alongside Moldova-Ukraine border and shared best practices on combating it. Ukrainian and Moldovan high-level security officials discussed counteracting illicit firearms trafficking, smuggling of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. At the same time, the issue of trafficking in human beings was scrutinized by the participants who highlighted vulnerable areas and possible mitigating measures, as well as prospects for future joint activities.

The Information and Security Service of the Republic of Moldova stressed the significance of further development of trilateral cooperation within the EUBAM platform. “Interaction in this format gives a unique opportunity to debate on concrete issues and identify solutions that help to counter smuggling of narcotic and radioactive substances, alcohol and tobacco products at the Moldova-Ukraine border. Despite COVID-19 international restrictive measures, achieving constant interaction and exchange of information on existing risks and threats in the border area significantly contributes to ensuring security at the national and regional levels”, the Head of the Moldovan Delegation stated. In this regard, he also expressed gratitude to the Head of the EUBAM for his diligent work in maintaining good partnership and cooperation.

On their side, the Security Service of Ukraine welcomed EUBAM’s initiative on bringing together representatives of Ukrainian and Moldovan security services, underlining the importance of enhancing cooperation with their colleagues from the Republic of Moldova. In this context, the Head of the Ukrainian Delegation mentioned: „Today, we have agreed to strengthen cooperation on intelligence exchange and risk analysis at the Moldova-Ukraine border. At the end of the day, it is the cooperation of our two special services that will make it possible to better combat cross-border crime, illicit trafficking in firearms, explosives, tobacco products, etc.”

Concluding the meeting, General Slawomir Pichor, the Head of EUBAM stated: “To date, the Mission together with security services of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have enjoyed effective cooperation. Today, we were able to step it up even further. Thanks to this meeting, we mapped out priorities and established good foundations for enhancing cooperation. I trust that this trilateral meeting will boost information exchange and improve responses to the challenges both services are facing at the Moldova-Ukraine border. At the same time, I would like to reiterate EUBAM’s readiness to provide strategic, analytical, and operational support.”

On 28 January 2021, the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine held its 35^th Advisory Board Meeting. Representatives of the Foreign Ministries, border, customs and law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the European Union Delegations to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the International Organization for Migration, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and United Nations Development Programme joined the meeting virtually.

Head of EUBAM, Mr Slawomir Pichor, briefed the participants on the activities accomplished by the Mission together with its Partner Services under the influence of the evolving coronavirus pandemic, since September 2020 when the Board previously met, as well as on the activities planned till 30 November 2021.

The European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Peter Michalko, chaired the meeting where the participants gave valuable insights on how the Mission could further contribute to an inclusive dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol, supporting the expansion of joint control along Moldova-Ukraine state border, and preventing, detecting and investigating cross-border crimes.

Within that context, the EU Ambassador Peter Michalko mentioned: “The EU Border Assistance Mission continues to be a key player in bringing closer together the Moldovan and Ukrainian border management authorities. This is done with joint efforts in the fight against cigarettes smuggling or in rolling out the joint border control concept along the Moldovan-Ukrainian border, so that citizens on both sides can travel more easily from one side to the other. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to put at risk people’s health and safety, and EUBAM stands firm with the border police and customs services in their mission to ensure a better service delivery to citizens. Related to further implementation of joint control, I would like to reiterate that we are looking forward to further progress in the next few weeks and months at border crossing points such as Kuchurhan-Pervomaisc”.

The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, Ambassador Matti Maasikas, encouraged close cross border cooperation for smooth and transparent border management in the current challenging times and acknowledged the importance of EUBAM in this respect. “The EU has finalised the reconstruction of two border crossing points between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova and provided substantial investment. I encourage the Ukrainian side to implement the agreed renovation works and provision of infrastructure in order to swiftly launch joint border operations, to the benefit of people and trade.”

Mr Gheorghe Leucă, State Secretary within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova welcomed the results of the EUBAM’s activities attained over the last 15 years. “We are pleased to note that both the Moldovan Government and the Ukrainian Government have adopted the decision to extend EUBAM’s mandate, acknowledging the added value delivered by the Mission by promoting and strengthening the regional cooperation in the field of border security and management. We are grateful for the substantial, and technical-financial assistance offered by the Mission and reiterate our willingness to continue our fruitful cooperation with EUBAM in the context of effective implementation of the integrated border management, joint operations, strengthening institutional capacity and staff training, and other established objectives.”

Mr. Serhii Saienko, Deputy Director General of the Directorate for the European Union and the NATO of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated: “Ukraine and Moldova have an opportunity to enter new stage in multifaceted relations and in their integration movement to the EU. As Ukraine and Moldova leaders reiterated during their meeting in Kyiv on January 12, both countries will contribute into regional security by enhancing cooperation on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border. Fight against smuggling and trafficking of tobacco, drugs and arms, corruption prevention and countering illegal migration remain key priorities with EUBAM assistance.”

Head of EUBAM, Mr Slawomir Pichor, said: “Over the past 15 years EUBAM have been supporting Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities in the continuous process of ensuring modern and effective border management, in particular at the Transnistrian segment of their common state border. In this connection, I should also like to express my appreciation to our Moldovan and Ukrainian partners for their constant efforts and commitment since the Mission’s very inception. Similarly, in the light of the latest extension of the EUBAM’s mandate, I would like to thank them for the trust granted to EUBAM and for making this EU border assistance mission a reliable partner in the region.”

The next meeting of the Advisory Board will be held in June 2021.

On 16 September 2020, the 34^th Advisory Board Meeting of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine took place in videoconference format. Representatives of the Foreign Ministries, border, customs and law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the European Union Delegations to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the International Organization for Migration, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and United Nations Development Programme participated in the meeting.

The Advisory Board appreciated the progress achieved by the Mission and its Partner Services in the challenging situation emerged due to COVID-19 outbreak and encouraged the parties to continue working with the same dedication and high professionalism. EUBAM’s and its Partner Services’ sustained contribution to launching an inclusive dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol, as well as the support to the establishment of joint control along Moldova-Ukraine state border, together with the efforts in preventing, detecting and investigating cross-border crimes were among the most important achievements highlighted by the Advisory Board.

The European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Peter Michalko welcomed and appreciated the commitment of the Moldovan and Ukrainian partners to the EU Border Assistance Mission, including during the COVID-19 situation and the complications it brought with it. “Over the next period, I hope and I trust that collectively we can mark progress in further rolling out the joint border control concept along the Moldova-Ukraine border, so that citizens on both sides can travel easier from one side to the other. EUBAM’s contribution towards offering and implementing EU expertise and best practices in border management is testimony to the European Union’s lasting partnership with both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, on the one hand, and a clear expression of its will to further assist in resolving the Transnistrian issue, on the other.”

The European Union Ambassador to Ukraine, H.E. Matti Maasikas emphasized the particular importance of smooth and transparent border management cooperation in the current challenging times: “Joint border crossing points reduce waiting times for people and goods which is important also from an epidemiological point of view. They are effective in fighting cross border crime and smuggling. The EU has finalised the reconstruction of two border crossing points between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova and provided substantial investment. Now, we encourage the Ukrainian side to also go ahead with agreed renovation works and provision of infrastructure in order to swiftly launch joint border operations, to the benefit of people and trade.”

Mr Gheorghe Leucă, State Secretary within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova appreciated EUBAM’s valuable expertise and assistance offered to the national authorities of both countries over the last ten months in achieving progress under all three pillars. „Despite the emerging difficulties due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Mission continued to advance the work on supporting confidence building measures, implementing integrated border management and combating cross-border crime. We remain convinced that EUBAM represents a substantial tool for border management and risk analysis in line with the interests of the population of both countries, Moldova and Ukraine. Hence, we reconfirm our interest in working further with the Mission aimed at ensuring stability and security in the region.”

Mr. Serhii Saienko, Deputy Director General of the Directorate for the European Union and the NATO of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated „We cannot overestimate the Mission’s contribution to the infrastructure development of BCPs to be launched in October this year and increasing the technical equipment level of the Ukrainian-Moldovan borders. We highlight joint actions lead by EUBAM to counter illicit trafficking in arms /CBRN materials within the recently established Working Group and other violations during joint operations and investigations in the border areas.”

Head of EUBAM Mr Slawomir Pichor said: “I would like to express my deep respect and appreciation to all the professionals serving in the Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs services for their excellent spirit of cooperation and passion demonstrated while carrying out their work during these challenging times, and also to extend my particular gratitude to the Governments of both hosting countries for their trust to continue our joint success story called EUBAM”.

The next meeting of the Advisory Board will be held in January 2021.

On 27 November 2019, the 33rd Advisory Board Meeting of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine took place in Chisinau in the presence of representatives from the Foreign Ministries, border, customs and law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, the International Organization for Migration, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and United Nations Development Programme.

EUBAM’s and its Partner Services’ continuous and active cooperation, their work for strengthening confidence between Chisinau and Tiraspol, the opening of the Common Contact Point “Palanca” and efforts in combating cigarette smuggling were among the most important achievements highlighted by the Advisory board. Moreover, the Advisory board encouraged the Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities to take advantage of the benefits brought by the mechanism of joint control and to expand it to new locations along their common border.

European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Peter Michalko highlighted that “over recent years, EUBAM has again been instrumental in supporting the competent authorities in both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in further implementing the Integrated Border Management Concept, providing technical assistance to the Transnistrian settlement process and assisting in the fight against smuggling, among others, tobacco. Establishing the Common Contact Point for the Palanca-Maiaky-Udobne jointly operated border crossing point has been an important achievement that will serve as an example for tangible progress in the near future on further rolling out the joint border control concept”.

Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, Mr Stefan Schleuning emphasized the important role carried by EUBAM within the EU’s actions in implementing the integrated border management concept in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. “As part of the EU funded project, a modern Palanca-Mayaki-Udobne joint border crossing point was established, resulting in significantly reducing the waiting times for people and goods. Thanks to the EU funding, reconstruction of two more border crossing points is being finalised. These modern border crossing points will ensure smooth and secure border traffic.” He added: “In order to achieve joint border control at Ukrainian-Moldovan border, authorities of both countries are invited to complete the border demarcation and implement the agreed Road Map for Joint Border Control.”

Ms Tatiana Molcean, State Secretary within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova expressed her gratitude for EUBAM’s practical contribution to the implementation of the joint working program and appreciated the Mission’s efforts in continuing with taking important steps for bringing outcomes under all three pillars. In this context, she also stated: “We would like to highlight the opening of the Common Contact Point “Palanca” specifically designed for fully-fledged joint control, which has advanced the implementation of the Integrated Border Management concept at the Moldova-Ukraine border. We encourage EUBAM to continue the result-oriented approach in order to achieve tangible progress thus contributing to ensuring stability and security in the region.”

Mr. Serhii Saienko, Acting Director General of the Directorate for the European Union and the NATO of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated the willingness to move towards joint customs and border control at border crossing points between Ukraine and Moldova, and reiterated the readiness to strengthen the interaction between the customs administrations of the two neighbouring countries in counteracting the smuggling of weapons, ammunition, drugs and fighting against the violation of customs rules in the movement of goods, including tobacco products, in particular through exchanging operational information and conducting special joint operations, inter alia involving the EUBAM and OLAF.

Head of EUBAM Mr Slawomir Pichor said that: “I want to extend my and EUBAM’s warm gratitude to our partner services in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine for their collective responsibility and commitment, and congratulate them for the excellent spirit and constructive nature of our cooperation. The important joint achievements we highlighted today made us to look with optimism to the next year of the Mission’s mandate”.

The Advisory Board Meeting will meet again in Odessa in June 2020.

Some 300 pieces small arms, almost 1,500 pieces of light weapons, more than 140,000 pieces ammunition and over 200 kg explosives were seized by the Moldovan and Ukrainian law enforcement agencies during a Joint Operation (JO) codenamed “ORION”, coordinated by the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) in cooperation with the European Union law enforcement agency (Europol).

Moreover, public awareness campaigns on voluntarily handing over the illegally possessed firearms, without facing any criminal liability, were organized during the JO “ORION” and proved to be also successful as 2,027 light weapons, 54 small arms and 2,025 ammunitions with different calibres, as well as 67 pneumatic and gas pistols were voluntary handed over by Moldovan and Ukrainian citizens.

The JO “ORION” was carried in three operational phases, from September 2018 till January 2019 and covered the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

Aiming at supporting the Ukrainian and Moldovan law enforcement agencies in counteracting the illicit trafficking of small arms, light weapons, ammunition, explosives and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials, the Operation was supported also by the border agencies from Slovakia, Romania and Poland as well as by Frontex and SELEC.

This Operation provided a great opportunity for information exchange on people, modi operandi and smuggling channels and it was part of EUBAM, Europol, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Member States’ common efforts undertaken to tackle the threats related to cross-border crime in the region and it contributed to improving the situational picture in illegal weapons trafficking.

In this context, Roberto Codesal, Head of Anaysis Project Weapons and Explosives at Europol, stated: “Joint Operation ORION is yet another example of how international cooperation is key to fighting the cross-border trafficking in firearms and explosives. The availability of such weapons poses a clear threat to global security, while also providing a lucrative profit stream for criminals.  Europol’s role, together with its partners, is to help countries remove illicit weapons from circulation, but most importantly, to dismantle the networks which facilitate their trade.”

The final results of Joint Operation “ORION” were shared during a debriefing meeting held in Odessa, Ukraine, on 17 July 2019, offering the participants the opportunity to discuss in-depth the results of the Operation and coordinate their efforts in further counteracting illicit fire arms trafficking.

“Joint Operation “ORION” proved to be a valuable tool for counteracting, testing risks and assessing the existing threats in the field of illicit weapons trafficking as well as strengthening the international cooperation”, said Slawomir Pichor, the Head of EUBAM Mission. “Due to these numerous seizures also the citizens’ security has been improved and we are very happy that the Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities make efforts in addressing this threat. I want to thank Europol for partnering us in coordinating this operation”, he added.

On 27 June 2018,  the 32^nd Advisory Board Meeting of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine took place in Odesa, in the presence of representatives from the Foreign Ministries, border, customs and law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the European Union Delegations to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the International Organization for Migration, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and United Nations Development Programme.

EUBAM’s support to Transnistria settlement process and confidence building measures, assistance to the implementation of Integrated Border Management concept and advisory operational support to preventing and combating cross-border crime were appreciated by the Advisory Board. In the same time, Partner Services and EUBAM’s efforts were very much welcomed as regards the launching of the newly constructed border crossing point Palanca-Mayaki-Udobne and Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs agencies were encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and make maximum use of this model for ensuring smooth and secure border traffic.

European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Peter Michalko stated that “EUBAM as an essential partner to the competent authorities in both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine has enabled progress in all three areas of its mandate, which are delivering technical support to the Transnistrian settlement process, implementing the European Union’s Integrated Border Management Concept along the Moldovan/Ukrainian border and assisting the law enforcement authorities in fighting cross-border crime.  With a view to the future, EUBAM will continue to provide its assistance to the partners in order to achieve further progress on implementing joint border control after the successful examples of previously established Jointly Operated Border Crossing Points.  Doing so, the goal ultimately is to provide more comfort, more security to both citizens and economic operators”.

Mr Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation, the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, emphasized the important role carried by EUBAM within the EU’s actions in implementing the integrated border management concept in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. “Opening of Palanca-Mayaki-Udobne border crossing point, constructed with EU’s financial support, is one of the concrete recent examples of such successful actions. This modern border crossing point will ensure smooth and secure border traffic. That’s why full commitment in further implementing the integrated border management concept should be ensured by all parties involved”, he mentioned.

H.E. Ion Stavila, Ambassador-at large within Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova appreciated the good cooperation between EUBAM and the authorities from the Republic of Moldova, and noted in particular that „The Mission continued to offer the necesary assistance in implementing integrating border management and strengthening institutional capacity of specialists from both banks of the Nistru River. We reconfirm our interest in working further in order to proceed with the joint control implementation at the Moldova-Ukraine border, with a particular attention to the central part of the border, for the benefit of both countries”.

Mr. Serhii Saienko, Acting Director General of the Directorate for the European Union and the NATO of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that, “EUBAM is considerably contributing to building capacities of customs and border services of Ukraine, advocating for reforms and fulfilment of Association Agreement (AA)/DCFTA commitments. I believe that the role and value of the EU, represented by EUBAM and EUAM Field Office in Odesa, go much wider promoting the EU standards in the area of European integration and further democratic development of both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova”.

Head of EUBAM Mr Slawomir Pichor concluded that: “The significant developments made by our Partner Services with the Mission’s support, have been well appreciated both at the national and international level. The launching of the first border crossing point on the Moldova-Ukraine border designed specifically for full-fledged joint control together with the new initiatives in the area of confidence building measures as well as the establishment of the Inter-agency Regional Analytical Group aimed at regular assessment of risks and threats in Odesa region gives us trust that we will continue together this challenging, but so important and rewarding work and we will extend our list of achievements”.

The Advisory Board will meet again in Chisinau in November 2019.

On 28 November 2018,  the 31st Advisory Board Meeting of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine took place in Chisinau in the presence of representatives from the Foreign Ministries, border, customs and law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the European Union Delegations to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the International Organization for Migration, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and United Nations Development Programme.

EUBAM’s continuous and active cooperation with its Partner Services was welcomed by the Advisory Board that highlighted the Mission’s efforts towards, among othere, strengthening Intellectual Property Rights protection, as well as its support to implementing a mechanism for access of passenger vehicles from Transnistria to international road traffic. The Partner Services’ efforts in developing the Road Map laying out the expansion of the joint control to the border crossings points at the Moldova-Ukraine border for the period 2019-2022 were appreciated by the Board that expressed also gratitude to EUBAM for facilitating its development process. At the same time, the Board urged the Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities to advocate and effectively support the enactment of measures aimed at a more effective fight against cigarettes smuggling in the region.

European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Peter Michalko highlighted the EUBAM’s continued contribution to regional stability and stated that ”EUBAM renewed mandated is a demonstration that the European Union remains fully committed to working with Partner Services in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in the interest of their citizens”.

Stephan Dahlgren, representing Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, encouraged Ukraine and the Republic of  Moldova to complete the border demarcation between the countries. Mr Dahlgren also noted that a draft Road Map for Joint Border Control at Ukrainian-Moldovan border has been presented, and encouraged that a detailed and complete version of this Road Map would be prepared in the nearest months to be approved by all stakeholders.

Ms Tatiana Molcean, State Secretary within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova appreciated EUBAM’s contribution in practical terms to the significant progress on the implementation of integrated border management, carrying out joint operations, strengthening institutional capacity and staff training, particularly, of specialists from both banks of the Nistru River working in the Vehicle Registration Offices, established within the mechanism for access of vehicles from transnistrian region to international road traffic. „At the same time, we remain convinced that we should foster cooperation in order to extend the joint border control, especially on the central part of the border with Ukraine, by reason of ensuring stability and security in the region and provide riskless conditions for the business community to develop safe economic activities”, she stated.

Ambassador Viktor Kryzhanovskiy, Special Representative of Ukraine for the Transnistrian Conflict, appreciated EUBAM’s contribution to strengthening the institutional capacities of Customs and Border services of Ukraine, enabling reforms for the implementation of the Association Agreement DCFTA commitments. “Our close cooperation with EUBAM on border and customs management corresponds to the Ukraine-EU key priorities of cooperation for this year. Strong IBM is crucial in in both countries and considered as a string symbol of the EU’s leading role in ensuring peace and security in Europe”, he concluded.

Head of EUBAM Mr Slawomir Pichor noted that: “The end of the first year of EUBAM’s renewed mandate finds us with major developments that make us looking with confidence to the future. The good work between EUBAM and its Partners has brought the implementation of our working program at a good pace, all the foreseen activities being well advanced. Therefore, together, we have experienced tangible progress in all three dimensions: confidence building measures, integrated border management and tackling cross border crime.”

The Advisory Board Meeting will meet again in Odessa in June 2019.

Border agencies seized more than seven million cigarettes during a Joint Border Control Operation (JBCO) coordinated by the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) in cooperation with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).

The JBCO codenamed “JANUS” ran between May and June 2018 and prompted border agencies from the participating countries (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine) to instantaneously share intelligence on suspicious consignments mainly transported by road in commercial trucks and trailers.

Goods were either physically checked or examined with the help of x-ray machines. As a result, border agencies discovered several large cargos of cigarettes which had been smuggled from Moldova or Ukraine into the European Union.

OLAF provided participants with access to its Virtual Operation Coordination Unit, a secure communication system facilitating intelligence exchange on shipments in real time.

The timely transfer of information played a major role in this operation, helping partners not only track the suspicious shipments, but also uncover the fraudsters’ modus operandi.

“Cigarette smuggling harms European citizens and funds organised crime,” OLAF Director-General Ville Itälä said. “Only by working together in joint operations such as this one can we stop traffickers and dismantle criminal networks,” he added.

The final results of JBCO “JANUS” were shared during a debriefing meeting held in Odessa, Ukraine, on 17 October 2018, in the framework of Task Force Tobacco, the EUBAM platform aimed at strengthening the fight against cigarettes smuggling.

“EUBAM continues its efforts aimed at preventing and fighting cross border crime in the region. By tackling illicit trade in tobacco products, JBCO “JANUS” proved once again how beneficial the international cooperation is in this field,” said Slawomir Pichor, the Head of EUBAM Mission. “I want to thank OLAF, for being EUBAM’s key partner in coordinating this operation, as well as the five EU Member States and to the Moldovan and Ukrainian border agencies for replying positively to this common attempt to fight cigarettes smuggling in the region,” he added.

On 17-18 October the EUBAM‘s Task Force Tobacco meeting took place in Odesa. The event brought together experts from law enforcement agencies in Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and UK, Ukrainian Tobacco Association “Ukrtutun”, as well as major cigarette producers. Representatives from EU agencies Europol, OLAF and SELEC also attended.

The participants exchanged views on trends, modus operandi, risks and countermeasures against tobacco products smuggling and shared their experience and best practices in tacking these issues, all agreeing that the cooperation between border agencies needs continuous development, especially in the area of common risk analysis and intelligence sharing.

A special attention was given to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) – Protocol on Eliminating Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products as an international instrument to combat the smuggling of tobacco products. In this context Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities were encouraged to adopt the Protocol, which will ensure effective control over the supply chain and help to reduce the risks of illicit trade in tobacco products.

The effective implementation of National Anti-Tobacco Strategies in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine was also highlighted by the parties as being of high importance and should be accelerated in both countries. In the same time the cigarette producers emphasized their support to these strategies. Therefore, the participants summed up that cooperation between law enforcement agencies and business environment is mutually beneficial for reducing the illicit trade in tobacco products.

Odesa, 26 June 2018 – Today, the 30th Advisory Board Meeting of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine took place in Odesa in the presence of Deputy Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations at the European Commission, Mr Maciej POPOWSKI, European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Peter Michalko, European Union Ambassador to Ukraine, H.E. Hugues Mingarelli, high representatives from Moldovan and Ukrainian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and border agencies, IOM, OSCE and UNDP.

The meeting was hosted by Odesa Regional Council and chaired by European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Peter Michalko.

Recent achievements in the settlement of Transnistria issue, implementing integrated border management and tackling cross-border crime in the region were the main topic on the meeting’s agenda. The Board congratulated the partner services on the enactments of the new Agreement on joint control of persons, vehicles, goods and items at the border crossing points on the Moldova-Ukraine state and encouraged them on taking full advantage of EUBAM support in its implementation.

Deputy Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations at the European Commission Maciej POPOWSKI participated at the 30th instalment of the Advisory Board Meeting and said that: “I salute the great work EUBAM has done since its inception in 2005 and its extensive contribution to regional stability and security. Over a span of nearly thirteen years now, it has assisted and helped a generation of Moldovan and Ukrainian officials – both in the fields of border policing and customs – by building capacity and delivering expert advice. Indeed the implementation of the rule of law is central to create a predictable environment. This predictability matters to maintain trust in those who govern, attracting investments and strengthening international cooperation. The EU considers the rule of law as one of its central values and pillars. And translating EU standards into practice has concrete and real benefits as we saw in today’s meeting.”

European Union Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Peter Michalko stated: “Together with all the partner services involved, I am delighted to see that EUBAM is making further progress in all areas of its mandate including on delivering technical support to the Transnistrian settlement process. Its expertise is valuable for instance in implementing a number of the Protocol Decisions that were previously signed. I also want to salute the improvements achieved through EUBAM’s assistance, for instance with regard to the passenger train between Chisinau and Odessa running through Tiraspol. The EU is intent on further supporting private and business travellers to smoothly and safely travel between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine”.

European Union Ambassador to Ukraine, H.E. Hugues Mingarelli urged all parties for soonest implementation of joint border management on the border crossing points at Kuchurhan-Pervomaisk and Giurgiulesti-Reni where the European Union is supporting infrastructure improvement in a project amounting to EUR 5 million.

Head of OSCE and International Security Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Mr Vasile Mircos, noted that with the launch of EUBAM 12, the Ministry marked a shift to a more results-oriented Mission keeping in mind the needs of the Moldovan and Ukrainian partners. He said: “The primary focus of this meeting is to review the results achieved in the last six months and to assess what remained to be done. EUBAM remains to be an absolutely indispensable tool for border management and risk analysis that perfectly fits the interests of the population of both countries.” He added that the Ministry acknowledges and supports the work of EUBAM focused on technical confidence-building measures between Chisinau and Tiraspol, combating cross-border crime and full implementation of IBM.

Mr. Serhii Saienko, Acting Director of the European Union and the NATO Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized: “We highly appreciate the EUBAM efforts in supporting authorities of Ukraine and Moldova in effective border management. We welcome the start of the EU funded project on the modernization of infrastructure of Kuchurhan-Pervomaisc and Reni-Giurgiulesti jointly operated border crossing points, establishment of Palanca Contact Point and the Automated Information Exchange between the border agencies of two countries. It is important achievement made by the EUBAM in close cooperation with Ukraine and Moldova.” Mr Saienko also highlighted EUBAM’s assistance in the Ukrainian and Moldavian enforcement efforts, in particular the recent Joint Border Control Operation “JANUS” aimed at counteracting cigarettes smuggling.

Head of EUBAM Mr Slawomir Pichor noted that: “The first six months of the Mission’s new mandate were marked by significant steps forward. The entering into force of the new agreement on joint control was the most important development that will constitute the foundation of our future work on integrated border management. Equally, the infrastructural projects launched in the region together with the initiation of the exchange of information between the border agencies in Ukraine are additionally achievements EUBAM and its partners will continue to build upon. With a particular focus on bringing a qualitative change in border management both for the people and for the trade, we are looking forward to witnessing future developments together with our partners services.”