The executive on October 18 approved the initiation of talks on the signing of an agreement to extend the mandate of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) until November 30, 2020, IPN reports.

The mandate of the EUBAM that was launched by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the three sides on October 7, 2005 expires on November 30, 2017. This last extension, as the previous ones, was requested by the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

According to the authorities, the EUBAM contributed to developing the border management procedures so that these meet the European standards and stimulate mutual trips and the development of trade, increasing regional security. The extension of the Mission’s mandate will enable Moldova to fulfill the commitments to meet the requirements for instituting the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area as part of the Association Agreement.