The State Customs Service of Ukraine and the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova signed the Technical Conditions for Data Exchange, finalizing the operationalization of achievements under a European Union-funded integrated border management project. The event took place at the Palanca-Maiaki-Udobnoe joint border crossing point, IPN reports.

Since 2020, the “EU for Border Security” project, implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), enhanced the joint control and information exchange on persons, vehicles and goods crossing the Ukraine–Moldova border. At three road border crossing points, a video monitoring mechanism and an automated car plates recognition system were installed, allowing real-time customs information exchange.

“The central IT systems of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova and the State Customs Service of Ukraine were modernized within the project. The upgrades improved the business processes and facilitated Ukraine’s and Moldova’s mutual exchange of information as well as the future interaction with the European Union customs information systems,” stated Viorel Doaga, Acting Director of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova.

The project also supported the Moldovan General Inspectorate for Border Police and the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service which received modern naval equipment for patrolling along the Dniester River. Cars, patrol boats and other specialized equipment enhanced crime prevention and rescue missions, especially during unfavorable weather conditions.

“The EU support allowed to facilitate trade and movement of people across the Ukraine-Moldova border, while preventing and combating smuggling and other border-related offences, crime and corruption. It ultimately contributed to the security, stability, and sustainable development of the region,” said Oleh Nikolaichuk, Deputy Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine.

The “EU for Border Security” project lasted from January 2020 to June 2024, with the total budget of €4,440,000. The European Union contributed €3,552,000 and the rest was co-funded by the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, the State Customs Service of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, and the General Inspectorate of Border Police of the Republic of Moldova.