The European Union is committed to build strong relations with its closest neighbors, based on genuine partnership. EUBAM is, in that respect, an illustration on how the EU continuously supports this objective, for the benefit of Moldovan and Ukrainian citizens, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova Jānis Mažeiks stated in the 37th Advisory Board Meeting of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine, IPN reports, quoting a press release of EUBAM.

The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, Matti Maasikas, said the recent crises have made the importance of a rapid and efficient coordination among cross-border agencies even clearer. The EU welcomes Ukraine’s readiness to re-criminalize smuggling to avoid losses to the state budget, to stop distorting competition among businesses and to ensure public health and safety.  He noted they also encourage Ukraine and Moldova to proceed carrying out joint border operations at the agreed border crossing points between the two countries and to expand joint control to other border crossing points along the common border.

Andrei Popov, the Head of Multilateral Cooperation Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova highlighted the valuable contribution that the EUBAM has brought during these years to the implementation of the integrated border management, strengthening of the institutional capacity, staff training and combating cross border crime. “We are convinced that we should continuously work together in order to achieve tangible results, in particular on the full implementation of the integrated border management concept. In this context, we would like to reiterate our willingness to continue our enhanced cooperation and encourage EUBAM to keep the same proactive approach in order to achieve our common goals,” stated Andrei Popov.

Head of EUBAM, General Slawomir Pichor said the developments during the reporting period have proven that, despite challenging times, it was still possible for EUBAM and its partner services to adapt to the new circumstances and move forward with the implementation of the Action Plan. “With that being said, I would like to restate my appreciation to all our Moldovan and Ukrainian Partners for their cooperation and support and assure that EUBAM will continue to stay the same committed partner for contributing to a qualitative change in border management,” noted Slawomir Pichor.

The Advisory Board Meeting will meet again in June 2022.