EUBAM contributes towards the peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict through the official international negotiation mechanism (the “5+2” process) and its related expert working groups.

EUBAM develops and advocates for technical confidence-building measures between Chisinau and Tiraspol on transport, customs, veterinary and phytosanitary, and law enforcement issues. The Mission has been a consistent advocate for the re-opening of the international transport corridors that cross Transnistria. Indeed, in 2012, EUBAM’s proposals helped to re-open rail freight through Transnistria that had been suspended for six years. Agnieszka Wawrzyk, Team Leader of EUBAM’s Transnistrian Settlement Office, explains how the Mission attempts to build co-operation between Chisinau and Tiraspol.

EUBAM’s role is not just to ensure that confidence building measures start, but also to make sure they are sustained. In 2010 the passenger rail link between Chisinau and Odesa through Transnistria was reactivated after a four year hiatus. The resumed link has been seen as a positive step in people-to-people contacts and practical co-operation between the two banks of the Dniester River. Five years later, low passenger numbers jeopardised its viability, reducing the service’s frequency to only twice a week. Following an EUBAM-led assessment in June 2016, enhancements to the service were agreed to reduce journey times and make the train more attractive for cross border travellers. Six under-used stops were cancelled and in December 2016 Moldova’s Customs Service introduced Customs control at Chisinau railway station. Tiraspol also shortened the stop at Bender station significantly from 25 minutes to 3. These changes have revitalised the service, with 45 minutes reduced off the journey time and train ridership increased to 90% of capacity. Moldovan Customs revenues have also improved.

The Mission is also active in monitoring the 453km-long Transnistrian segment of the Moldova-Ukraine border, as well as the 411km-long administrative boundary line within the Republic of Moldova. EUBAM’s Field Offices in Chisinau, Kuchurhan and Podilsk ensure a daily presence at the border and administrative boundary line, and help to ensure:

• Human rights of travellers crossing at the Transnistrian segment of the Moldovan-Ukrainian border are respected.
• Free movement of people and goods across the administrative boundary line and the Transnistrian segment of the border with Ukraine are maintained.
• Cross border and trans-boundary problems are resolved as they arise.