Tuesday 14 June, EUBAM donated eight vehicles to Moldova’s Border Police and Customs Service, in a ceremony at the headquarters of Moldova’s Border Police. The event was attended by Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, Head of EUBAM, acting Head of the Moldovan Border Police, Mr. Ianus Erhan and Deputy Head of the Moldovan Customs Service, Mr. Grigore Ionitov.

The vehicles, formerly used by EUBAM in Moldova, are capable of operating in off-road conditions, and will increase the capacity of both services to conduct patrols and operations along the whole border.

Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, Head of EUBAM, welcomed the handover as a sign of increasing ownership of EUBAM-led initiatives by the Border Police and Customs Service. He noted that,

“As EUBAM transfers ownership of initiatives it has jointly run with our Moldovan partners over the last ten years, it is also appropriate that we ensure our partners have the necessary technical means to continue them. The donation of these vehicles reflects the increased ownership assumed by Moldova’s Border Police and Customs Service for ensuring the effective management of the State border. I look forward to seeing these vehicles utilised for the innovative practices which have been introduced in recent years, such as joint mobile patrolling”.

Accepting the four vehicles for Moldova’s Customs Service, Mr. Grigore Ionitov, Deputy Head of Moldova’s Customs Service reflected on its sustained partnership with EUBAM, stating, “The Customs Service is expressing its gratitude for the sustainable support offered by EUBAM that has become throughout these years one of the most important strategic partners of the institution. We would like to thank you for the openness wherewith you approach all initiatives of the Customs Service, the methodological and technical support of which has led to the achievement of the most ambitious projects.”

Mr. Ianus Erhan, acting Head of Moldova’s Border Police, expressed gratitude for the support given by EUBAM, stressing that “the donation of these four vehicles will certainty contribute to streamlining activities to prevent and combat cross-border crime. The Border Police is responsive to initiatives coming from EUBAM experts and relies on the support and assistance of the mission, which has acted as a reliable partner and witness to all the institutional changes throughout the years.”