On 14 March, EUBAM facilitated the discussion between the European Commission, Moldovan, and Ukrainian customs and border authorities about the region’s near-future joint border control activities.

The meeting took place at Palanca (MD)-Maiaky-Udobne (UA) jointly operated border crossing point (JOBCP) in connection with the visit of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Operational since the end of 2017 on the Moldovan side, this JOBCP is an example of the successful implementation of Integrated Border Management principles, exemplifying effective collaboration between Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs authorities to ensure efficient and secure border crossings for travellers and trade.

Discussions included the status of the renovation works funded by the European Commission at the Reni (UA)-Giurgiulesti (MD) border crossing point, where a similar joint control initiative will be implemented on the Ukrainian territory. The crossing point is located on route Reni (UA)-Giurgiulesti (MD)-Galati (RO) in the lower Danube region under the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes to the EU and beyond.

Slawomir Pichor, Head of EUBAM, emphasized the importance of leveraging successful joint border control practices to enhance collaboration at additional border crossing points between Moldova and Ukraine. It aims to optimize procedures and infrastructure to support increased cargo traffic and capacity along the transport corridor.