Moldovan cabinet rules to extend mandate of EU Border Assistance Mission

Chisinau, 18 October /MOLDPRES/ – The mandate of the European Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) will be extended for three years more, until 30 November 2020. Referred to it, the Cabinet approved the signing of a Multilateral Agreement between Moldova, Ukraine and the European Commission today, the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

For upcoming period, the Mission's objectives have been set as to contribute to settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, including by promoting confidence – building measures between both banks of the Dniester, as well as providing assistance to Moldova and Ukraine in combating cross – border crime and illicit trafficking.

Also, the extension of EUBAM mandate will have a positive impact upon total process of integrated state border management, in the context of fulfilling commitments undertaken by Moldova throughout the EU – Moldova Association Agreement.

According to its functional liabilities, the Mission provides consultative assistance to customs and border authorities of Moldova and Ukraine, in particular to take over European border security practices.

The EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine started on 01 December 2005 with the aim of modernizing border management procedures and adjusting them to European standards.