Udo Burkholder becomes new Head of EUBAM

Udo Burkholder was confirmed as Head of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine. He has served as Deputy Head of the Mission since January 2008 and acting Head of EUBAM since January 1, 2010, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a press release from EUBAM. “I’m delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to serve as Head of EUBAM,” said Udo Burkholder. “I’ve seen real improvements on the Moldovan-Ukrainian border in my two years in the Mission and I’m looking forward to building on these successes with our partners, the Ukrainian and Moldovan border guards and customs services.” Udo Burkholder, a German national, takes over the post vacated by Ferenc Banfi of Hungary in late 2009. He has 30 years experience in senior positions within the Border Guard and Federal Police of Germany, including serving as Commander-in-Chief of the German Federal Police from April 2001 December 2007. EUBAM was launched on 30 November 2005 at the joint request of the Presidents of the Republic Moldova and Ukraine. It is an advisory, technical body with no executive powers. The Mission is working to make a sustainable contribution to the delivery of good quality border and customs services to the citizens and companies of Moldova and Ukraine to facilitate contacts and trade across the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. EUBAM is fully funded by the European Union. The Mission’s mandate was extended twice - in 2007 and 2009. The current mandate runs until 30 November 2011. The Mission has its headquarters in Odessa, Ukraine, a Liaison Office in Chisinau, Moldova and six field offices covering segments of the Moldovan-Ukrainian border (three on the Moldovan side, three on the Ukrainian side). EUBAM is comprised of more than 200 staff members including experts from 19 EU Member States.