This morning, Chișinău hosted a meeting of the goTravel International User Community, with the Republic of Moldova chairing the community. The meeting brought together representatives of Passenger Information Units, the United Nations, the European Union and partner international organisations. It provides an opportunity to share experience and develop joint solutions to risks that do not stop at the borders.
Security begins before a person reaches a border crossing point. Through the Passenger Information Unit and goTravel, passenger data is analysed in advance to identify risk indicators and help prevent organised crime, human trafficking and other cross-border threats. At the same time, this information helps direct checks towards cases where there are real grounds for concern, without disrupting the travel of people who are travelling lawfully.
In a relatively short period, Moldova has moved from establishing the necessary legal and institutional framework to developing operational capacity. In the first half of the year, the Passenger Information Unit analysed information on more than 3 million passengers and over 20,000 flights.
What matters most, however, is not the volume of data, but how it is used: to identify risks at an early stage, support investigations and connect relevant information on individuals and transnational networks. The fact that Moldova now chairs this international community also demonstrates that the experience gained can contribute to solutions adopted by other countries.
The next step is to expand the use of passenger information to land transport, while ensuring data protection and respect for fundamental rights.
For people, these capabilities mean safer borders, earlier identification of risks and better-targeted interventions. For Moldova, they mean a stronger role in European and international security cooperation.
