On 7 June, the EUBAM-led MD-RO-UA Customs Coordination Group gathered in Chisinau to discuss the recent developments for streamlining cargo through the Republic of Moldova.

The Group supports the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes and meets every three months to alleviate pressure on the transport corridors for Ukrainian goods through the Republic of Moldova. It brings together the Customs Authorities of the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, but it is also a gathering place for other related institutions.

The participants talked about the operational situation changes in the cargo flow at road, rail, and river border crossing points, as well as developments and forecasts. The measures are meant to tackle the main bottlenecks and administrative barriers to increase the cargo flow of agricultural products.

The recent actions in EU-UA Solidarity Lanes have had concrete results. Firstly, in March-April, the jointly operated border crossing point Serpneve-1 – Basarabeasca was established, and a new railway link from Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova was launched, contributing to diversifying ways of Ukrainian cargo transportation. EUBAM advocated for the swift opening of this railway border crossing point since the rail connection was restored last year. “We welcome opening this important transport corridor for Ukrainian export, “the Head of EUBAM, Slawomir Pichor, said at the meeting.

In May, Ukraine extended the electronic queue system “eCherha” to the main border crossing points at the Ukraine-Moldova border. It provides benefits for carriers removing pressure on access roads. Also, dialogue with carriers resulted in better distribution of cargo flow among border crossing points. In addition, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine authorities have signed a protocol simplifying rail border crossing in transit.

EUBAM has had numerous meetings with the European Commission, Moldovan-Romanian-Ukrainian state authorities, and business associations in the past few months. “We are the catalyst for this platform where customs authorities share ideas and projects that could ease the situation. All those innovations have already impacted border management, and we hope for new developments in the coming months. In the meantime, EUBAM will also continue advocating for necessary investments for the border infrastructure,” explained Slawomir Pichor.