Vamal Service and DG TAXUD: consolidation of strategic partnership towards vamal modernization

On the sidelines of the working visit to Brussels, the Kingdom of Belgium, the director of the Vamal Service, Radu Vrabie, met with Matthias Petschke, the director of the Unit for Vamal within the Directorate General for the Imposition of the Vamal Union (TAXUD) European Commission, co-chaired by the European Union within the framework of the Subcommittee Vamal Republic of Moldova–European Union. The meeting reconfirmed the strategic character of the vamal dialogue between the Vamal Service and DG TAXUD, as well as the role of the Vamal Republic of Moldova–European Union Subcommittee as an essential platform for monitoring progress and coordinating the reform of the vamal domain. The next meeting is scheduled for November this year, in Brussels. As part of the discussions, the progress recorded by the Vamal Service in the process of aligning with good practice and standards of the European Union was reviewed. Special attention was paid to the harmonization of the legislative and institutional framework with the European Union's acquis, as an essential element of the reforms being implemented. In addition, progress was evidenced in consolidating law enforcement and institutional integrity mechanisms, including through risk analysis measures, maintaining internal control, professional development of consolidated officials investigative and compliance capabilities. A central pillar of this reform is digital transformation. In this sense, progress has been highlighted in the development of modern information technology systems, intended to ensure interoperability with the EU technology IT architecture and to sustain efficient and transparent technology processes. In particular, the evolution of the implementation of the New Computerized Transit Computerized System (NCTS) was highlighted, as an important milestone in the alignment with the European transit system. "Modernization and digitalization remain strategic priorities. We want simpler, faster and more transparent processes, which meet both the requirements of the business environment and rigorous European standards," Radu Vrabie said. Another issue of major importance was the efficiency of border controls and the consolidation of border security, in the current regional context. In this regard, the needs to equip with modern control equipment, including advanced detection technologies, to consolidate risk analysis capabilities and to improve the efficiency of border control were discussed. Matthias Petschke reconfirmed the support of DG TAXUD for the European journey of the Republic of Moldova, expressing openness to continue technical dialogue, specialized assistance and cooperation in order to advance the process of alignment to EU standards vamal domain.