During his visit to Geneva, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Adrian Efros, had a meeting with Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs.
The officials discussed the cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, the country’s progress in implementing the nine recommendations of the European Commission, the development agenda of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), and the management of the refugee crisis.
The Minister of Internal Affairs expressed gratitude for the international community’s support in the context our steadfast goal of joining the European Union. Adrian Efros informed the European Commissioner about, among others, the achievements in the MIA’s development agenda, which may expand in the future to include areas such as anti-corruption and sharing best practices in the context of Moldova’s adoption of the single 112 emergency call system.
The officials appreciated the effectiveness of the Security Hub, designed to enhance and reinforce the European security framework. In this regard, they acknowledged the organization of the joint European operation SEE JAD 2023 facilitated by the Security Hub, which aimed to address issues such as firearms trafficking, drug trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and the disruption of high-risk criminal networks.
Another issue addressed in the meeting was the importance of joint operational efforts under EUROPOL’s EMPACT, particularly in areas such as organized crime, online child abuse, trafficking in prohibited substances, firearms, money laundering.
At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Adrian Efros highlighted that one of MIA’s priorities is the management of the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, especially the influx of displaced persons who can legalize their status in Moldova in three ways: by applying for stay permit, for temporary protection, and for asylum.
The European Commissioner, in turn, expressed interest and openness to engage in close cooperation with the Republic of Moldova.
