The European Union will allocate €4.5 million for strengthening the integrated management of the Moldovan-Ukrainian border, in particular the Cuchurgan-Pervomaisc and Giurgiulesti-Reni checkpoints. The announcement was made in a press briefing held to launch the project on February 6, IPN reports.

The project, with a total budget of €4.7 million, will be implemented under the auspices of the International Organization for Migration, in cooperation with the EUBAM. The project will benefit the Border Police and the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova and the similar bodies of Ukraine.

Border Police chief Fredolin Lecari and Customs Service head Vitalie Vrabie spoke about the progress made in border management. The organization of joint control based on the “one-stop shop” principle is for the people’s benefit as this reduces the time of stay in border crossing points, facilitates the movement of goods and reduces the risks of corruption and other offenses. The application of this control concept increases the level of confidence and cooperation between the given services of Moldova and Ukraine and is also a condition stipulated in the Moldova - EU Association Agreement.