The joint Moldovan-Ukrainian control at the “Palanca” customs post was launched on December 19. At the initial stage, given the infrastructure constraints related to the extension and modernization of the customs post, border controls will be performed at a temporary border crossing point, IPN reports.

According to the authorities, the institution of common border control at the given customs post will help ease transfrontier traffic and ensure greater transparency in the process of performing controls by implementing the one-stop show. The project is financed by the EU and co-financed by the Government and is implemented by UNDP Moldova.
 
Attendig the inaugural ceremony, Customs Service head Vitalie Vrabie said the Republic of Moldova comes closer to the European values and standards by implementing the best European practices in the field of integrated border management. The joint control is a proof of the good relations of cooperation between the customs and border authorities of Moldova and Ukraine.

Border Police chief Fredolin Lecari said the reconstruction works are not yet over, but this customs post will be the most pleasant one in southeastern Europe when the modernization project is completed. “The customs and border control procedures imply particular discomfort and our task is to diminish this discomfort. This is an example of cooperation between the customs and border authorities of the two states,” noted Fredolin Lecari.

EUBAM Head Slawomir Pichor said that a qualitative change is made today in border management and this is an example of excellent cooperation.