Moldovan PM says Palanca crossing point to provide qualitative services, as when crossing EU border

Chisinau, 20 April /MOLDPRES/ – Prime Minister, Pavel Filip, visited the construction site of the Palanca crossing point today, which will be put into operation by the end of 2018. It will be carried out joint control at the Moldovan – Ukrainian border here, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.

"Despite the fact that we do not see much construction here today, the work which has been done by now is enormous," said Pavel Filip.  

The Premier said that common crossing point is meant to offer more benefits to citizens. The control will be carried out only once by customs and border guards from Moldova and Ukraine. It will reduce waiting time, increase flow of passengers and goods, eliminate corruption, but also offset offenses at the border.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to EU, which finances construction of the crossing point, and UNDP Moldova, which ensures the project implementation. The total budget is €5.56 million, of which €4.5 million are provided by EU, and €1.5 million – contributions of the Government. "This point will provide qualitative services, as we meet when crossing EU border to similar standards," said Pavel Filip.

Similarly, the head of Executive once again thanked President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, for the fact he promulgated recently the law on joint control at the Moldovan – Ukrainian border. "We are grateful to our colleagues in Kiev. For the first time in 25 years, the Republic of Moldova will control its borders fully, including the Transnistrian segment," said PM.

European Union Ambassador to Moldova, Peter Michalko, said that EU has supported implementation of projects with a positive impact on citizens and construction of Palanca border checkpoint is a concrete example on it. "Firstly, this project is one for persons," said Peter Michalko.

"The new crossing point will facilitate economic activity and trade, which contributes directly to reduction of poverty, economic growth and sustainability," said Dafina Gercheva, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Permanent Representative in Moldova.

The construction of the Palanca border crossing point started in June 2017. At present, there are executed 30 per cent of planned works. The customs point is built according to European standards and it will be equipped with modern facilities. Once it has been put into service, it is estimated that the number of persons and vehicles crossing the border through that point will double.