On 20 June, the MD-RO-UA Regional Customs Coordination Group convened at the Galaţi border crossing point in Romania, with the EUBAM Head, Slawomir Pichor, leading the session. The meeting focused on reviewing progress in border management and improving customs procedures in the Lower Danube region.

The Group received a comprehensive overview of the operational situation at the border, including waiting times, queues, and measures to speed up customs clearance. The Head of EUBAM highlighted significant recent developments, attributing them to the collective efforts of all stakeholders. A key achievement is the successful implementation of joint control at the Reni-Giurgiulești BCP, aimed at streamlining procedures and reducing border crossing times between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Moldovan and Ukrainian colleagues shared lessons learned and initial results from this joint control implementation.

Additionally, the recent political agreement between Romania and the Republic of Moldova to introduce coordinated control at the Giurgiulești-Galați BCP will further accelerate the movement of goods and people across the borders of the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine. Participants visited the BCP lanes designated for extension and discussed the refurbishment needs to launch coordinated control effectively.

The customs authorities agreed that implementing the National Customs Transit System (NCTS) in the Republic of Moldova will also simplify customs transit formalities and further expedite border crossings. Moldovan authorities plan to pilot the NCTS system on 1 July 2024, including at the two discussed BCPs.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of continued collaboration and timely implementation of the discussed solutions to improve regional connectivity and support the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes Initiative. For the first time, Border Police representatives from the Republic of Moldova and Romania attended the meeting, underscoring the Group’s role in alleviating traffic congestion on transportation routes for Ukraine’s exports. This forum fosters collaboration among the Customs Authorities of the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine and serves as a platform for other relevant institutions.