The EU will strengthen support for border control on the Moldovan-Ukrainian border and allocate 15 million euros to help Moldova cope with the influx of refugees.
The European Union Delegation to Moldova announced this, noting that the mandate of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) has been extended, and improved, to allow EUBAM staff to have executive powers at the request of Moldova and/or Ukraine. In particular, it will allow EUBAM staff to participate directly in border control and complement the border management teams of the European Border Police and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX). European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Olivér Várhelyi said EUBAM and FRONTEX will work together to help Moldova effectively manage arrivals at its border with Ukraine while maintaining a high level of security. Since the start of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, EUBAM has refocused its activities on helping to manage the flow of refugees arriving in Moldova, in particular by redeploying staff to busier border crossing points. The increased support for EUBAM, amounting to 15 million euros, will provide additional staff, equipment and training opportunities for recently recruited Moldovan border police officers. In addition, the EU has announced a new 15 million euros mechanism to support the effective transit of affected EaP citizens, as well as the safe return of third vulnerable country nationals to their countries of origin. Additional funds may be envisaged to increase direct support for border control at key crossing points on the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. The European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) was launched in 2005. The Mission works with Moldova and Ukraine to harmonize border controls, customs and trade standards and procedures with EU standards and procedures. EUBAM has received 143 million euros in EU funding since it began operating in 2005. As of May, EUBAM has around 20 operational staff, and recruitment procedures are ongoing for up to 40 staff, with the possibility to add additional short-term temporary staff if necessary. // 03.06.2022 - InfoMarket.
