The European Union Border Assistance Mission to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) today enters a new phase with a new mandate. Under the leadership of a new Head of Mission, Mr. Slawomir Pichor (Poland), EUBAM will further target its efforts to monitor, evaluate and provide advice on border and customs control measures and procedures to the competent authorities in Moldova and Ukraine. At the same time, actively contributing to the settlement of the Transnistrian issue will remain a key component of the Mission.
The Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Mr. Peter Michalko, expresses his gratitude to Ambassador Andrew Tesorière, the outgoing Head of Mission whose mandate ended on 30 November. He congratulates Mr. Pichor on his new assignment and wishes him and his team every success. Ambassador Michalko adds that “by starting a new phase, the European Union reconfirms its assistance to citizens’ everyday lives. Travelling from one country to the other – whether it is for business or private reasons – should happen without major obstacles. The fight against traffickers and smugglers is equally important, but should not be to the detriment of the vast majority of people that travel for valid reasons”.
The new Head of European Union Border Assistance Mission, Mr. Slawomir Pichor stated: “I am honored to have been selected for this position. EUBAM has always been close to my heart and I will do my utmost to lead the Mission the best I can. The full approximation to European standards of the border management procedures in the region and further contribution to the Transnistrian settlement process will be my top priorities.”
EUBAM has worked in both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine since 2005. While it has its Headquarters in Odessa (Ukraine), an important part of its staff is permanently based in Chisinau, Giurgiulesti and Otaci to work with the Moldovan Customs Services and Border Police. The Mission’s main objective however has remained unchanged throughout all these years, which is improving the service delivery to the citizens of both countries involved (e.g. through shorter waiting periods at border crossings and by strengthening border security) and assisting the authorities in the fight against fraud and smugglers.
