Border Police celebrates 34 years with security initiative
The Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine signed a Joint Declaration on June 10 to cooperate in combating cross-border crime, during a ceremony marking the 34th anniversary of the Border Police of the Republic of Moldova.
The event, themed “34 years – 34 steps forward,” brought together high-ranking officials from three states, as well as representatives from security institutions and international partners. They emphasized the increasingly important role of the Border Police in ensuring both national and regional security.
Ruslan Galușca, the Head of the General Inspectorate of the Border Police of the Republic of Moldova, spoke about the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with the border guard profession. He highlighted that the true value of their service cannot be conveyed solely through statistics and reports.
“Today we celebrate an institution with traditions, valuable personnel, and successfully completed missions. The uniform we wear is not just a symbol of authority; it embodies thousands of hours of service, sleepless nights, emotions, worries, hopes, and sacrifices. The greatest asset of the Border Police is not the buildings or equipment, but the people,” stated the head of the institution.
Igor Grosu: "By protecting our border, you contribute to European security."
The Speaker of the Parliament, Igor Grosu, expressed gratitude to the border guards for their vigilance and professionalism, noting that their work extends beyond the Republic of Moldova's borders.
“The border is the virtual wall of our house, which we call the Republic of Moldova, and you defend this wall every day,” he said.
Grosu pointed out that, in light of the accession process to the European Union, the Border Police serves as a model of professionalism and adaptability to European standards.
“Today, we can confidently say that by protecting our border, you contribute to enhancing European security and become reliable partners,” said Igor Grosu.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by Border Police personnel and assured them that Parliament would continue to support efforts to strengthen the institution’s capabilities.
Daniela Misail-Nichitin: “The Border Police is no longer just an institution that guards the border.”
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniela Misail-Nichitin, emphasized the significant transformation that the Border Police has undergone in recent years and its role in regional security.
“The Border Police is no longer merely an institution that guards the border. It is a key structure through which the Republic of Moldova exercises its responsibility for security, for the safety of its citizens, for its partnerships, and for the country's European aspirations,” declared the minister.
She highlighted that the war initiated by the Russian Federation against Ukraine has radically altered the security landscape and the challenges facing the Republic of Moldova.
According to Misail-Nichitin, the Border Police has evolved into a modern institution capable of responding to conventional and hybrid threats, illegal trafficking, migration pressures, and attempts at destabilization.
"Today, the Border Police represents control but also anticipation. It encompasses surveillance but also analysis. It includes intervention, but also cooperation,” stated Daniela Misail-Nichitin.
The minister also underscored progress in the European integration process, citing the implementation of the Integrated Border Management Program for 2026-2030, infrastructure investments, and the adaptation of coordination mechanisms to meet European standards.
The joint declaration: more than just a document
The Inspector General of the Romanian Border Police, Cornel Laurean Stoica, commended the evolution of the institution in the Republic of Moldova and the collaboration among the three neighboring states.
"You have built a solid and credible institution. You have responded with professionalism to unprecedented challenges and shown that the Border Police of the Republic of Moldova effectively defends the rights of citizens with competence and integrity,” said the Romanian official.
He referred to the joint declaration signed during the event, stating that it symbolizes the concrete collaboration among the three institutions.
"It represents teamwork, effective collaboration, a continuous exchange of information, and its transformation into best practices,” pointed out Cornel Laurean Stoica.
From a detachment to a European institution
The ceremony highlighted the evolution of the Border Police over its 34 years of activity, which originated with the border guard troops established on June 10, 1992. The initial mission began with a single detachment, four commands, and 27 pickets.
With support from the European Union and international partners, the Republic of Moldova has developed a modern border that aligns with European standards. A significant moment was the crisis following Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, during which border guards managed the massive influx of refugees from the neighboring country.
"Border guards have demonstrated that solidarity can become the strongest form of protection,” was noted during the event.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, awards and diplomas were presented to border guards in recognition of their professionalism and contributions to the surveillance and control of the state border.
