On 28 December the most modern Jointly Operated Border Crossing Point (JOBCP) in the region – Palanca – was opened, marking a qualitative change in border management both for the people and for the trade. The event took place during a ceremony attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, President of Ukraine, EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, Moldovan and Ukrainian border agencies, UNDP, EUBAM and representatives of the local public authorities.
Being an EU funded project, implemented by UNDP, in the framework of the Eastern Partnership IBM flagship initiative, JOBCP Palanca significantly simplifies the procedure of crossing the border for citizens of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, as they will pass the border and customs control only once. In the same vein, JOBCP Palanca becomes a benchmark for other border crossing points at the Moldovan-Ukrainian border where the agencies from the two countries plan to work together.
EUBAM has supported Palanca project in all aspects, from helping to apply for the EU funding on initial stage to advising the design and technical requirements related to the control procedures of the JOBCP later on. Moreover, as the Mission regards the launching of the joint control as a proof of good cross-border co-operation between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, EUBAM provided also assistance in drafting the temporary technological scheme for organizing the joint control that was officially launched in the temporary JOBCP Palanca on 19 December 2017.
Within the context of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), both Moldova and Ukraine have committed to progress towards efficient and comprehensive border management, including specific customs and border guard issues. Palanca is the first newly constructed border crossing point functioning under the new Agreement on Joint Control at the Moldovan-Ukrainian Border signed by the Governments of Moldova and Ukraine in October 2017. Its operations are built on modern border management principles such as “One-Stop Shop”.
EUBAM will continue to work with its Moldovan and Ukrainian partners for the enhancement of integrated border management between the two countries by encouraging joint border control at border crossing points and information sharing between the agencies.
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