PHOTO // Moldova and Ukraine strengthen customs cooperation for border security and European integration

Securing the common border, facilitating bilateral trade, modernizing infrastructure, and digitizing customs procedures were the main topics discussed by the leadership of the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova and the State Customs Service of Ukraine, in the context of their shared goal of European integration.

Director of the Customs Service Radu Vrabie held a meeting with Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine Orest Mandziy in Mohyliv-Podilskyi, Ukraine. The discussions were attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Ukraine, Victor Chirilă, representatives of the diplomatic staff and of the two customs administrations.


"As this was the first meeting between the two counterparts, the discussions focused on the current priorities of Moldovan-Ukrainian customs cooperation. The officials addressed the securing of the common border, the implementation of tools to facilitate bilateral trade, the modernization of infrastructure, and the digitization of customs procedures, in line with the European integration objectives of both states. Radu Vrabie emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership between the two customs administrations, especially in the current regional context and their shared path toward the European Union," the Customs Service statement reads.




The parties assessed the situation at the customs posts on the Moldovan-Ukrainian border, the joint projects underway, and the prospects for expanding cooperation in areas of common interest.

Special emphasis was placed on modernizing border infrastructure, which is necessary given the increase in trade and transport flows and in order to align it with European requirements on integrated border management.

The officials also discussed the digitization of customs procedures and the strengthening of interoperability between the two administrations, so that control and clearance processes become more efficient and border crossing times are reduced.



Another important aspect of the meeting concerned the fight against customs fraud and the provision of mutual administrative assistance. The parties agreed to intensify the exchange of operational information, organize joint customs operations, and develop more effective mechanisms to prevent and combat violations of customs legislation.

During the discussions, the mechanism of joint control at border customs posts was also addressed. The officials reviewed the progress made, the existing challenges, and the prospects for extending this mechanism, which contributes to reducing crossing times, optimizing resources, and simplifying procedures for economic operators and travelers.



Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine Orest Mandziy expressed readiness to continue developing the bilateral partnership and to promote joint initiatives to strengthen the interoperability of the two customs administrations.

The Ukrainian side also presented the initiative to launch pilot projects to strengthen bilateral customs cooperation, a proposal welcomed by the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by both administrations to step up cooperation and implement joint solutions to enhance border security, facilitate legitimate trade, and advance their rapprochement with the European customs area.