Progress in European integration process discussed at Moldova-EU Customs Subcommittee meeting

The progress in implementing the European integration agenda in the customs field was discussed at a meeting of the Customs Subcommittee Republic of Moldova - European Union. The event took place in Chisinau and Brussels, with the participation of representatives from the European Commission, the European Anti-Fraud Office, the European Union Delegation to Moldova, the Ministry of Finance, and the European Integration Office.

During the meeting, representatives of the Customs Service presented developments in harmonizing the national legislative framework with the EU acquis, the development and adjustment of customs IT systems, the implementation of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) Program, cooperation in the field of mutual administrative assistance, as well as UE assistance projects.

A central topic of discussions was the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the Convention on Common Transit starting November 1, 2025, and the implementation of the New Computerized Transit System (NCTS). This strategic objective, assumed within the Association Agreement with the EU, enhances the competitiveness of the national economy and offers local companies the possibility to use simplified customs procedures throughout the territory of the EU member states, as well as in countries applying this regime - another 38 states.

Additionally, significant progress has been made in digitalization, considering that integration into the European customs area primarily involves ensuring the interoperability of national customs IT systems with those of the EU. Among these are the approval of the national program and action plan for the digitalization of customs procedures and the integration of the customs service's information systems with those of the European Union. The gradually implemented program entails the digitalization of all customs procedures by the end of 2030.

The agenda also included aspects regarding the implementation and extension of coordinated control at the Moldovan-Romanian border, the application of the PEM Convention on rules of origin, ongoing transboundary infrastructure modernization projects, and future prospects.

During the meeting, European partners noted the successes of the bilateral Screening on Chapter 29 - Customs Union, as well as the increasing progress in the customs dimension, reflected in the latest European Commission report, in the context of the 2025 Enlargement Package.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of operational conclusions and the evaluation of the current stage of implementation of the European integration agenda in the customs field, reiterating the reciprocal commitment of national authorities and partner institutions to continue the necessary reforms for the full preparation of the Republic of Moldova for EU accession by 2030.