Ukraine agrees on joint control of borders with the EU - Prime Minister
Ukraine plans to introduce joint customs and border control with EU countries. Poland may become the first country to sign the agreement, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reports.
"We continue negotiations on joint customs and border control at the EU border. We expect the first results this year," the prime minister said.
He said the European Commission is evaluating a potential agreement between Ukraine and Poland. After resolving technical issues, this developed model can be extended to other EU neighboring countries.
Shmyhal also announced plans to expand the eQueue system. "In over two years, this system has had almost 1.6 million border crossings. Thousands of trucks and buses use the system daily, reducing the time they spend at the border," he said.
Additionally, further modernization of border checkpoints is planned. "Last year, the Strategy for the Development of Border Infrastructure with the EU and Moldova until 2030 was approved. It provides for the reconstruction of 28 checkpoints and the construction of at least six new ones," the prime minister said.
Joint control
Joint customs and border control with EU countries is a form of cooperation between neighboring states where control at the border is conducted simultaneously by the customs and border services of both countries at a single location. This practice aims to improve the efficiency of border crossings, simplify procedures for citizens and businesses, and enhance security.
Key features of such control include:
- Single checkpoint: Customs and border officials from both countries work together at one location, allowing travelers to pass control only once instead of twice (first in one country, then in the other).
- Streamlined procedures: Reducing the time for document checks, vehicle inspections, and goods examination.
- Inter-agency cooperation: Coordination between customs and border agencies of different countries, including information and technology sharing.
- Reduced queues: Simplified procedures help shorten waiting times at the border.
Ukraine is actively working on implementing joint customs and border control with EU countries (including Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Hungary) as part of its European integration efforts.