Moldova’s IBM Council met on 27 May to review progress and kick off the 2026–2030 border management program. The new policy document will be developed with SCOP project support, aligning with EU standards for smarter and safer borders.
On 27 May, Moldova’s Integrated Border Management (IBM) Council convened with the support of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The event aimed to assess progress, set new priorities for border security, and officially launch the development of the 2026–2030 National IBM Programme. Presided over by the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Council brought together key national authorities, representatives from international organizations, foreign embassies, and international experts.
Discussions focused on evaluating the implementation of the 2022–2025 IBM Programme and initiating the drafting of the new one for 2026–2030, which will be developed under the project “Support to the Complex Improvement of Migration and Border Management in Moldova” (SCOP). Participants reviewed key achievements and challenges in border management, emphasizing the need for modernization, enhanced risk analysis, and improved interagency cooperation. The Council also initiated the amendment of Government Decision No. 902/2015 to institutionalize a quality control mechanism for IBM self-assessment and approved the creation of an inter-agency working group to draft the new IBM Programme.
ICMPD Senior Border Advisor Tony Mihaitoaia highlighted the strategic importance of the new programme, stating: “The IBM Programme must align with the best European practices while reflecting the operational realities at the border. Developing this strategic document is not just a technical obligation, but an expression of political vision for a safer, more modern Moldova, better connected to the European space.”
Funded by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic and implemented by ICMPD, the SCOP project supports Moldovan authorities in strengthening migration and border management systems in line with the EU acquis. It aims to enhance the resilience and capacity of the Moldovan Border Police, ensuring effective border management and timely responses to crisis situations. Given Moldova’s EU candidate status and the current regional security context, the project plays a vital role in fostering cooperation to combat transnational crime, ensure safe cross-border movement, and improve the quality of services provided by border authorities.