A delegation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, led by Secretary of State Diana Salcuțan, is taking part in the 8th International Border Management Conference, organized by ICMPD under the auspices of the Dutch Ministry of Asylum and Migration. The event, entitled “Resilient Borders in a Changing World”, addressed key topics such as border resilience, the future of the Schengen area, effective return management, and human rights protection. The discussions highlighted the need to balance security with humanitarian access, the importance of international cooperation and information exchange, as well as the impact of technology on modern border management.
The event, held on 18–19 November, brought together experts, practitioners, and decision-makers from around the world, who examined current challenges related to improving border control through the application of new EU information systems and innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation and information-sharing among all relevant authorities, implementing the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum regulations, ensuring respect for fundamental rights at the border, continuous training of staff, as well as other aspects aimed at contributing to the efficient and modern border management.
During the conference, Secretary of State Salcuțan participated in several bilateral meetings, including a working session with Hans Leijtens, Executive Director of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX). The discussions focused on identification of new avenues for collaboration.
Among the initiatives discussed was the Border Police’s bid to obtain observer status within the FRONTEX Management Board, which would strengthen strategic integration and facilitate more effective coordination in the field of external EU border security, in the context of Moldova’s candidate country status. Additionally, the parties discussed issues related to the signing of the Working Arrangement between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and FRONTEX, needed to deepen operational and institutional cooperation.
Another bilateral meeting took place with Susanne Raab, Director General-elect of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, who will take office on 1 January 2026. The discussions highlighted the shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly through leveraging ICMPD’s expertise and developing joint projects to support Moldova’s European integration path.
Topics discussed included the implementation of the National Programme on Migration and Asylum 2026 - 2030 and the National Integrated Border Management Programme for 2026 - 2030, as well as opportunities to facilitate access to European funding, technical assistance, and institutional capacity-building, including in areas such as migration management, professional training, and the modernization of operational tools.
Furthermore, during a panel dedicated to how border management is adapting to increasingly complex threats - from the instrumentalization of migration and hybrid tactics to digital fraud and criminal networks - the Deputy Head of the General Inspectorate of Border Police, Eugen Levco, presented Moldova’s experience in strengthening operational resilience through innovation, digitalization, and cross-border cooperation, while upholding European standards on fundamental rights.
The participation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs delegation in this conference reaffirms the Moldova’s determination to advance toward integrated, modern, and responsible border management in line with European standards.