Building Bridges Across Borders: Odesa and Galati Customs Strengthen Ties
July 18, 2024
In a significant step towards enhancing international cooperation, the Acting Head of Odesa Customs, Yuriy Cherdyntsev, recently met with the Executive Director of the Galati Customs Regional Directorate, Petrike Munteanu. The bilateral coordination meeting, held in Odesa, was initiated by the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine. The primary objective was to deepen international cooperation, build trust, and ensure the security and openness of the border between Ukraine and Romania.
During the meeting, several issues were touched upon, reflecting both parties’ commitment to streamlining and improving customs operations. Among the key topics discussed were advancing the Common Transit System usage, the possibility of pre-clearance information exchange at Orlivka-Isaccea border crossing point, leveraging joint efforts in counteracting cross-border customs offences, and conducting common training activities.
Positive Outcomes and Future Prospects
The bilateral meeting marked an important step in intensifying cooperation between Ukraine’s and Romania’s border customs offices. Participants expressed hope that such initiatives would benefit both countries, promote cross-border cooperation, and harmonise customs procedures. EUAM Ukraine will continue providing support to its Ukrainian partners on their way towards integration into the European Union’s customs system.
Adrian Costache, EUAM Ukraine Senior Advisor on Integrated Border Management, emphasised the importance of this cooperation: “Strengthening bilateral customs cooperation between Ukraine and Romania over the Danube, as one of the key Integrated Border Management pillars, aims at developing a safe and secure border between Ukraine and the European Union, while facilitating legitimate trade and travel”.
