The European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) enters a new phase with a new mandate under the management of a new chief on December 1. This is Slawomir Pichor from Poland, IPN reports, with reference to a press release of the EU Delegation to Moldova.

The Delegation said the EUBAM will continue to concentrate its efforts on monitoring, assessing and offering consultancy in the fields of control measures and customs and border procedures to the competent Moldovan and Ukrainian authorities. The contribution to solving the Transnistrian conflict will remain a key element of the Mission.

EU Ambassador to Moldova Peter Michalko said that by starting the new phase, the EU reconfirms its assistance in the daily life of the citizens. “The travel from one country to another, either on business or for personal purposes, should take place without major obstacles. The fight against traffickers and contrabandists is important, but should not be to the detriment of the largest majority of people who travel out of valid motives,” he stated.

The new Head of the EUBAM Mission Slawomir Pichor said the complete implementation of the European standards on border management in the region and the further contribution to the Transnistrian conflict settlement process will be the priorities of his mandate.

The EUBAM was launched in 2005. It promotes border control, customs and trade norms and practices that meet EU standards and serve the needs of its two partner countries. It is an advisory, technical body based in Odessa, but a part of the personnel is permanently in Chisinau, Giurgiulesti and Otaci and works with the Customs Service and the Border Police.