8 August 2024, Palanca — Today at Palanca-Maiaki-Udobne joint border crossing point, Mr. Oleh Nikolaichuk,  Deputy Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, and Mr. Viorel Doaga, Acting Director of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, signed The Technical Conditions for Data Exchange. The document will finalize the operationalization of achievements under an integrated border management project, funded by the European Union.  

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 (Criva – Mamalyha, Otaci – Mohyliv-Podilsky and Palanca – Mayaki – Udobne), 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 Mr. Viorel Doaga.  

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

Background: 

The “EU for Border Security” project lasted from January 2020 to June 2024, with the total budget of EUR  4,440,000. The European Union contributed EUR 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. 

Cooperation between the customs and border entities of Ukraine and Moldova will continue with EU funding in the framework of the IOM project "EU Support to Strengthening IBM in Ukraine (EU for Solidarity Lines and IBM".