A new phase in border security
The Republic of Moldova is undergoing a period of accelerated transformation, where accession to the European Union depends on strengthening the state’s ability to protect its citizens and ensure the effective functioning of its institutions. In this context, the National Program for Integrated State Border Management for 2026 – 2030 emerges as a key strategic instrument. Building on the Internal Affairs Development Strategy 2022 – 2030, it translates Moldova’s commitments in the EU accession process into concrete action.
The program is aligned with the National Development Strategy European Moldova 2030, the National Security Strategy, and the Mobility Strategy, as well as the National Accession Plan 2025 – 2029, the Rule of Law Roadmap, and the EU-supported Growth Plan Reform Agenda. At the same time, it incorporates the recommendations of the European Commission and reflects the priorities of the Multiannual Strategic Policy for Integrated European Border Management.
Connecting to the European model of border security
The novelty of this program lies in its alignment with the European model of integrated border management. This model is built on rigorous control, continuous risk analysis, information sharing, international and interinstitutional cooperation, the use of modern technologies, and effective quality assessment mechanisms. At the same time, the program introduces European standards on the protection of fundamental rights and invests in education and research, fostering a long-term culture of security.
Through this approach, the Republic of Moldova advances on the European path toward secure, modern borders, focused on protecting citizens while facilitating mobility and trade.
The facts: a border under pressure
The importance of the program is underscored by clear data on traffic flows and the infrastructure capacity. On average, more than 19 million people cross Moldova’s borders each year, while roughly 140,000 citizens live in border areas, experiencing the challenges of mobility and cross-border pressures on a daily basis.
Traffic distribution is highly uneven: around 85% of all crossings take place at just 9 – 10 border points, creating a clear imbalance between mobility demand and existing infrastructure. At the same time, approximately 80% of Moldova’s trade (exports and imports) relies on road transport, exposing the country’s vulnerability to infrastructure constraints. To address this, priorities for development focus on cross-border bridges – two currently under construction and four more in the feasibility study stage, as well as multimodal logistics centres in Chișinău, Berești, and Giurgiulești. In parallel, Moldova is actively engaged in the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility, which supports the creation of multimodal, safe, and competitive networks.
In the aviation sector, Chișinău International Airport registered a record of over 4.3 million passengers in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. In the first four months of 2025 alone, passenger traffic reached 150% of projections and continues to rise, reinforcing the need for infrastructure expansion in both Chișinău and Mărculești.
Emerging threats and integrated responses
The border is not only a gateway for mobility, but also a frontline where emerging threats continually manifest. Cases of illegal migration, drug trafficking, and trafficking of weapons and ammunition are on the rise. Human trafficking remains especially difficult to detect at border points, with most cases uncovered only after the border has been crossed. Smuggling, particularly of excise goods and products subject to special tax regimes, is expanding and becoming increasingly sophisticated.
To address these challenges, the program foresees investments in surveillance technologies with the goal of covering at least 60% of the border with modern systems by 2030. These efforts will strengthen prevention and response capabilities. At the same time, measures to enhance information sharing, risk analysis, and border control capacity will help transform control authorities into proactive institutions capable of anticipating and preventing emerging risks.
The program also includes the expansion of canine units within the Border Police and Customs Service, the construction of a modern training centre for canine teams, and the diversification of their specializations to counter the increasingly advanced methods used by criminal groups.
Benefits for citizens and European integration
The impact of the program extends beyond institutions, delivering tangible results for people first and foremost. Citizens are the primary beneficiaries: they will experience a safer, more efficient border system aligned with European Union standards. Trade flows will accelerate, transport will become safer, and communities in the border area will gain more stable and predictable environment.
In the long term, the National Program for Integrated State Border Management 2026 – 2030 marks a decisive step toward Moldova’s European integration. It strengthens the country’s security architecture, fulfils commitments made in the accession negotiations, and demonstrates the state’s ability to protect its citizens through a modern, European approach to border management.
Conclusion and current status of the program
The National Program for Integrated State Border Management 2026 – 2030 is conceived as a reference framework for modernizing Moldova’s borders and aligning them with European Union requirements. It is currently undergoing public consultation, a process that involves state institutions, civil society, and border communities.
The document was developed by experts from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the General Inspectorate of Border Police, in collaboration with the Customs Service. It is guided by a dual logic: addressing the immediate needs of citizens while fulfilling commitments related to European integration. This ensures that the program is not merely a technical strategy, but also an expression of the state’s responsibility to build secure, modern borders consistent with European standards.
Through its implementation, the Government of the Republic of Moldova reaffirms its firm commitment to European integration, while strengthening national security, facilitating legal mobility, and promoting high-quality public services for citizens. The program thus stands a symbol of stability, transparency, and the Moldova’s strategic orientation toward European values.
