Moldova-Romania open first rail border control hub
Moldova and Romania have established a coordinated border control at the Fălciu–Cantemir railway crossing – the first of its kind on a rail line – applicable in both directions.
The agreement was signed in Bucharest by the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Daniela Misail-Nichitin, and her Romanian counterpart, Cătălin Predoiu.
Ms Misail-Nichitin said the reopening of the Fălciu-Cantemir railway crossing is strategically important. It is part of the European Union's "Solidarity Lanes" initiative, helping to connect the country to the wider European transport network.
The Minister noted this is the first time coordinated control has been applied at a railway crossing and in both directions of travel. This is expected to reduce waiting times, eliminate bottlenecks, and simplify formalities for citizens and businesses, thus supporting cross-border trade and exports.
Romanian Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Cătălin Predoiu said the agreement strengthens cooperation between their respective Interior Ministries (MAI) and operationalises bilateral partnerships in the fields of police, border police, and gendarmerie.
According to the Minister, the successive checks by joint teams will streamline and secure cross-border traffic.
"We firmly stand by Chișinău on its European path and are accelerating joint border projects," Mr Predoiu said.
This is the third coordinated control agreement (following Albița–Leușeni and Galați–Giurgiulești), but the first on a rail line, and is part of the EU's "Solidarity Lanes" initiative.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
