EUBAM Advisory Board welcomed the extension of the Mission’s mandate until 30 November 2025, recognizing it as an opportunity to fortify border security further and deepen cooperation in Moldova and Ukraine amidst the ever-evolving security landscape.
The 40th EUBAM Advisory Board meeting was held on 6 March in an online format. In his comprehensive overview of the Mission’s activities over the past year, EUBAM Head Slawomir Pichor highlighted the primary objective of refining regulatory and border control procedures in collaboration with its national partners – the Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs authorities: “Given that the priorities of our partners had shifted from regular to emergency border management, the Mission aligned its assistance with heightened expectations”, he stated.
The Advisory Board highlighted EUBAM’s activities over the past year, acknowledging the effort to alleviate pressure on the transport corridors from Ukraine to the EU through the Republic of Moldova in the context of the EU-UA Solidarity Lanes initiative. Additionally, the Board pointed out the delivery of specialized training activities to over 400 officers to strengthen resilience at the borders against increasing challenges and threats induced by the operational context.
During the meeting, the Board commended the collective efforts of the Moldovan and Ukrainian border and customs authorities in advancing joint border control measures; which enhanced border security, ensured smoother cross-border movements, and contributed to opening alternative routes for exporting agricultural products and essential goods during emergencies.
EUBAM, as an Advisory Mission, works to harmonize border control, customs, and trade procedures to meet EU standards and supports its national partners in addressing the Transnistrian issue, implementing integrated border management, and combating cross-border crime. With the extended mandate, the Board tasked EUBAM to adapt its actions in line with the regional context, providing tailored assistance to national partners in advisory support, capacity building, equipment procurement and mentoring to address emerging challenges effectively.
EUBAM Advisory Board brings together representatives from the Foreign Ministries, border and customs authorities, and law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the European Commission, the European External Action Service, the EU Delegations to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova and OSCE. The Chairman of the Board is the EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks.
