| Based on their observation of cross-border activities, the Mission has concluded that greater coverage is necessary.
After consultation with the local partners, it has been decided to pay more attention to the ports of Odessa and Ilichevsk
with a new field office in Odessa port; to the internal boundary between the Transnistrian region of Moldova and the rest
of Moldova; and to open a further office on the Moldovan side of the border based in Chisinau.
The Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner welcomed the expansion
of the EU BAM, saying, "In the first five months of this Mission, standards at the border have improved and we are seeing
higher levels of detection of illegal activities.. This is a very practical benefit of our work with both Moldova and
Ukraine under the European Neighbourhood Policy". She added, "The illegal activities that have been uncovered during the
Mission show that we need to extend its reach. Therefore, we are opening new offices in Chisinau and in Odessa port and
stepping up activities on the demarcation line around the Transnistrian region".
At the request of the Presidents of Ukraine and Moldova the EU BAM is working closely with the authorities in both
countries to improve infrastructure and capacities. The mission is contributing to greater co-operation between the border
and custom services on the two sides of the border and is bringing objective scrutiny to allegations of illegal activities
along the green border.
The Border Assistance Mission started operating on 1st December 2005. The Border Assistance Mission has a two year
mandate, which can be extended. The Commission contributes more than ² 20 million. EU Member States contribute seconded
staff (currently 70). The Mission has its headquarters in Odessa.
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