On 19-23 February, Moldova hosted a border assessment exercise carried out by ICMPD experts within the framework of SCOP 3.1 project. The purpose was to take stock of current infrastructure, equipment, and training needs along Integrated Border Management (IBM) key areas.
The week-long assessment mission started by talking to the relevant departments in the Border Police HQ, such as those in charge of control, surveillance, logistics, systems, risk analysis, document security, and operational management. Then, it proceeded with visiting the regional directorates in the country’s north and south, where the corresponding units have been consulted in terms of their needs. On the same occasion, the experts visited selected border crossing points (BCPs) to ascertain the real needs on the ground in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and training.
During the assessment, the expert team exchanged extensively with the Moldovan staff at various levels on the IBM standards and best European practices concerning effective border management. The heightened expectations in light of increased regional security threats and upcoming EU accession negotiations have also been discussed. Finally, the requirement for a truly national IBM strategy involving all relevant agencies has been highlighted among others.
At the end of the mission, the expert team debriefed on preliminary key findings with the Border Police top management, as well as with the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Chisinau in its capacity as project donor representative. A report will be drafted and shared with the beneficiary, key stakeholders, and donor community with the view to inform future support initiatives in the sector.
The project “Support to the Complex Improvement of Migration and Border Management in Moldova” (SCOP) aims to help Moldovan authorities with the consolidation of migration and border management system in line with the EU Acquis. The objective of its Component 3.1. "Strengthening Border Police operational capacities for border security" is to contribute to Moldovan Border Police’s resilience and capacities, including effective management of the state border and timely and adequate response to crisis situations. The action is implemented by ICMPD and is funded by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic.