Joint press release: International Organization for Migration, European Union and Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova

Chișinău – 14 March 2024. The European Union handed over to the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova a wide range of IT equipment and services aimed at supporting the growing efforts in the efficient management of the cross-border movement of goods and persons in and out the country while ensuring the dignity and well-being of migrants. This support was offered within two projects funded by the European Union: “EU-IOM Supporting Protection, Transit, Voluntary and Informed Return and Reintegration of Eastern Partnership Citizens and Third Country Nationals affected by the conflict in Ukraine”, and “EU 4 Border Security” both implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Moldova.

The donated equipment and services include the modernization of the central information system of the Customs Service. In addition, video surveillance cameras and related software were installed, to ensure the Closed-Circuit Television and the Automatic Number Plate Recognition functionality in the new Frontiera Informational System.

Moreover, with the financial support of the European Union, the Customs Service was equipped with ten cars to ensure an operational and mobile response in urgent situations. Also, surveillance cameras, server and IT equipment, modular outdoor LED displays were provided to the newly renovated Sculeni border crossing point.

The handover ceremony took place at the Customs Services premises in the presence of Igor Talmazan, Director of Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, and Lars Johan Lönnback, Chief of Mission, IOM Moldova.

Igor Talmazan, Director of Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova:
“We thank our strategic partners and highly appreciate the substantial assistance provided for the modernization of the Customs Service through this valuable donation offered in the framework of 2 external assistance projects funded by the European Union, which will enhance capacity building in the management of migration flows, digitization and simplification of customs procedures, professional development of customs officials, countering illicit cross-border trafficking and securing borders.”

Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova stated:
"This EU donation, which is worth EUR 1.3 million, reflects our long-lasting EU-Moldovan cooperation in support to joint control with Ukraine. It is also the expression of EU solidarity to the Republic of Moldova, and the Customs services, in the exceptional circumstances, you are operating since February 2022."

Lars Johan Lönnback, Chief of Mission, IOM Moldova:
“We firmly believe that this support to the Customs Service will strengthen the IT systems and architecture, mobility, and verification capabilities of the Customs Service, significantly increasing the available risk analysis tools and opening new regular pathways for further development initiatives.”

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For more information: Riccardo Severi, Communications and Public Information Officer, IOM Moldova, rseveri@iom.int

Background information:

About the project “EU-IOM Supporting Protection, Transit, Voluntary and Informed Return and Reintegration of Eastern Partnership Citizens and Third Country Nationals affected by the conflict in Ukraine”

The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by IOM in Moldova. The implementation period February 2022 - February 2025, with a budget of EUR 15 million, the primary beneficiaries are Eastern Partnership citizens and third-country nationals affected by the conflict in Ukraine, and the national authorities besides the Border Police are the General Inspectorate for Migration and the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova.

About the project “EU 4 Border Security”

The EU-funded project “EU 4 Border Security”, implemented by IOM in partnership with the Moldovan and Ukrainian Customs Services works to implement automated video surveillance and Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems at 3 border crossing points, allowing for data exchange between the customs authorities of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. This is achieved through:
i.    modernization of Frontiera, the central IT system operated by the Customs Service (IT system development works) – laying the groundwork for any further development interventions;
ii.    infrastructure works at the BCPs, required for the installation of the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and VICOS systems, including the electric and network cabling; 
iii.    procurement and installation of the software for the ANPR and VICOS cameras; 
iv.    procurement and installation of air-conditioners, as well as racks for the servers and storage units.
The total budget of “EU 4 Border Security” is EUR 3,552 million