On 16 May, Head of EUBAM Slawomir Pichor took part in the launch of the Reni (UA)-Giurgiulesti (MD) jointly operated border crossing point after its renovation by the Ukrainian authorities. The event took place during a ceremony attended by high level officials of Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Romania, European Commission, and the United States in the frame of the multilateral meeting in the Quint format concerning the transit of grain products from Ukraine.

EUBAM has been a strong advocate for the jointly operated BCP Reni-Giurgiulesti in all aspects, underscoring its potential to improve traffic flow and enhance connectivity between Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania within the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes initiative, particularly now, during these times of severe duress. Within the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes initiative, EU has allocated a staggering €11 million aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the Danube Corridor for both current and future demands.

«This border crossing point unites two countries and represents a very good example of cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine and their readiness for enhancements in all customs and border processes. We are constantly supporting the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes in the Lower Danube region and are committed to this initiative. Also, we are glad to be part of these changes and help to make them part of routine on the way towards the European Union», Slawomir Pichor said.

Following the reconstruction, the Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs controls will be conducted jointly on the Ukrainian side, a shift from the previous arrangement where controls were performed separately on each country’s territory. This upgrade is expected to double at the very least the throughput capacity and streamline transport flows.

Moreover, the stakeholders raised talks at Giurgiulesti (MD)-Galati (RO) border crossing point and set a common agenda on prospects to introduce coordinated control between the Republic of Moldova and Romania at this BCP, which would pave a faster route toward the EU and beyond.

EUBAM will continue to work with its Moldovan and Ukrainian partners for the strengthening of integrated border management between the two countries by encouraging joint border control at border crossing points and information sharing between the agencies.