Strengthening regional security and customs cooperation – Ukraine, Romania and Moldova set new priorities
November 26, 2025
On 20 November, the heads of the customs administrations of Ukraine, Romania and the Republic of Moldova met in Chernivtsi to agree on new practical steps to deepen regional cooperation, enhance border security and modernise key crossing points across their shared borders. The high-level meeting brought together Serhii Zviahintsev (Ukraine), Alexandru Bogdan Bălan (Romania) and Radu Vrabie (Republic of Moldova), with the support and participation of the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine. The event marked an important continuation of trilateral cooperation launched in 2023 and strengthened throughout 2024–2025.
The discussions focused on several dimensions essential to an efficient and secure border regime. The three customs administrations reviewed the functioning of the Early Notification System for emergency situations at Moldovan–Ukrainian border crossing points, which enables authorities to react quickly to congestion, system failures or irregular events. They confirmed plans to expand the mechanism and integrate it more closely into daily operations. The meeting also emphasised the gradual introduction of joint customs control at border crossing points on adjacent sections of the Ukrainian–Romanian and Ukrainian–Moldovan borders. This approach aims to reduce duplication of procedures, shorten processing times and align border practices with European standards.
Another priority area was the development of mechanisms for the advance exchange of customs information. The successful pilot project tested at the Porubne–Siret border crossing point demonstrated clear benefits in accelerating clearance processes, improving risk analysis and enhancing transparency. The three administrations agreed to extend this practice to additional crossing points, ensuring smoother trade flows and faster movement of goods.
The fight against customs fraud and smuggling also featured prominently in the discussions. Participants underlined the importance of coordinated action, sharing intelligence and conducting joint customs operations. They reviewed the results of recent trilateral enforcement activities and committed to continue joint exercises, including those related to emergency situations, such as the common Ukrainian–Moldovan exercise held in September 2025 at the Mamaliga–Criva crossing.
A key outcome of the meeting was a renewed commitment to strengthening the Moldova–Ukraine–Romania Customs Working Group, which was initiated at EUAM’s proposal in 2023. The Working Group serves as the main platform for regional coordination and has already delivered concrete results, including:
– the launch of the UA–MD–RO Customs Training Platform (September 2025);
– agreement on joint customs operations;
– development of a common approach to emergency response;
– and continued implementation of pilot projects on preliminary information exchange and early warning systems.
The heads of customs reiterated the importance of seamless communication and operational coordination and agreed that future communication will be organised on four interconnected levels – from border crossing points up to the specialised departments of the three national administrations – to ensure rapid responses to emerging issues.
“Strengthening regional security and stability is only possible when neighbouring customs administrations work in close coordination,” said Serhii Zviahintsev, Head of Ukrainian Customs. “Today we reaffirmed our joint priorities: expanding joint customs control, improving the exchange of advance information and reinforcing our capacity to respond to emergencies. We share a common vision of a safe, modern border fully integrated into the European space.”
Bogdan Balan, President of Romanian Customs Authority stressed that the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation with the State Customs Service of Ukraine will contribute to the smoothing of cross-border traffic, as well as to the security of the common border.
Mr. Radu Vrabie, Director of Customs Service of Republic of Moldova, underlined the importance of enhancing international cooperation between the three Customs Authorities and mentioned the active role of Moldavian Customs Service within the UA – RO – MD Customs Working Group.
The meeting builds on achievements facilitated by EUAM Ukraine since 2022, including the establishment of the Ukrainian–Romanian Customs Working Group, the development of the Strategy for a Border Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, and the opening of additional border crossing points. These initiatives underpin a broader effort to modernise border infrastructure, streamline procedures and strengthen cooperation across the region.
EUAM Ukraine will continue to support the development of the UA – RO – MD Customs Woking Group, as an example of best practices of enhancing the international cooperation between Ukrainian, Moldavian and Romanian Customs Authorities.
