EU: Status agreement to allow Frontex to assist Moldova in border management

2022-03-21

Following the signing of status agreement last Thursday between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova regarding operational activities carried out by Frontex, the Agency has just signed with Moldavian authorities the Operational Plan allowing the start of Frontex Joint Operation in Moldova.
 
The aim of the Joint Operation (JO) Moldova is to provide increased technical and operational assistance to the host country, by coordinating operational activities on the territory and under the control of the authorities of the Republic of Moldova.
 
Frontex standing corps officers will assist Moldovan authorities in processing the massive number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine and crossing the border with Moldova, and perform other border control-related tasks if needed. They include border control officers and document experts.
 
The operation’s goals are also to control illegal immigration flows, tackle cross-border crime and to enhance European cooperation and law enforcement activities. JO Moldova is implemented within the Multipurpose Operational Activities in Third Countries. Currently there are already 18 standing corps officers pre-deployed in Moldova and the operation will see the deployment of up to 84 standing corps officers and document inspection devices to support border checks.

Council adopts decision to sign agreement for Frontex operational support with Moldova in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The Council adopted last Thursday a decision on the signing of a status agreement between the EU and the Republic of Moldova regarding operational activities carried out by Frontex. 

A status agreement will allow Frontex to assist Moldova in border management, through the deployment of teams which can support Moldovan authorities in tasks such as registration and border checks.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over 300 000 refugees have entered Moldova and the number continues to grow. Moldovan border management authorities are facing the challenge of regulating this influx of refugees while monitoring a border with an active war zone.

The EU is currently providing support to these efforts through an existing working arrangement with Frontex concluded in 2008, which allows for information exchange, training and coordination of certain joint operational measures. On 14 March 2022, the Council authorised the opening of negotiations on a status agreement, which will allow for additional operational support to quickly respond to the current challenges.

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