The European Commission together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Border Guard Service of the Republic of Moldova announces the completion of the rehabilitation of the Ungheni Border Guard Training Centre.

The works were carried out under the European Commission's TACIS programme (Capacity Building and Technical Cooperation for Moldovan Border Guards and Border Officials) and mark the completion of a two year project covering training and equipment needs, as well as the development of legislative and institutional frameworks. The project, which invested 1.1 million Euros, was funded by the European Commission. IOM co-funded and implemented the project's activities in close cooperation with the Moldovan Border Guard Service and other relevant national agencies.

The project contributed to the Government's commitment to reform the Border Guard Service and to improve its management and its functioning in line with European standards.

In order to improve the Border Guards' training capacities, a number of important facilities at the Training Centre in Ungheni have been renovated, refurbished and fitted out with the necessary furniture, computers and needed equipment.

The project's syllabus has been taught by experts and specialists from a range of countries within and outside the EU: Belarus, UK, Bulgaria, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia and Hungary.

A series of study tours have enabled Moldovan Border Guards to compare their work with other countries which have undergone substantial reforms, such as Bulgaria, Poland, Romania and Slovenia. They also visited their colleagues in Finland. The visits provided a substantial basis for a better understanding of different European border surveillance and control models. They also served as networking and exchange visits and substantially helped to foster and improve relations and future cooperation between Border Guard Services across national borders.

Within the framework of the project the Border Guards have also benefited from contemporary equipment for controlling its border points and the protection its green border.

The official opening ceremony will take place in Ungheni at the Border Guard Centre on December 22 at 1pm.

The address of the Centre is No. 1 Arcasii lui Stefan street. Visitors will be guided by Border Guards from the entrance of Ungheni to the Centre.