European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM). Main Directions of Its Activity During the Russian-Ukrainian War in 2022-2024

Abstract

In the article, using the example of the European Union Border Assistance Mission to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM), an analysis of the factors that determined the Union's decision to establish the mission, the mechanism of its functioning and the main directions of its activities during the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022-2024 was conducted. The article is of a theoretical and descriptive nature, using general scientific research methods, including analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, the historical method and the hermeneutic method. In addition, within the framework of the above-mentioned issues, scientific and journalistic research, legal acts and annual reports of the mission on its activities were subjected to a detailed analysis and assessment. This study analyzes the conditions of the European Union's decision to establish the mission. The legal basis of its functioning, structure, goals, mandate, financing, as well as the main directions of its activities during the Russian-Ukrainian war in 2022-2024 were characterized. The results of the conducted research indicate that the establishment and launch of the EUBAM mission was the European Union's response to threats resulting from the conflict in Transnistria and to the request of the Ukrainian and Moldovan sides for advisory and technical support in establishing an effective border control system. In the years 2022-2024, the main directions of the mission's activities were focused, in addition to the implementation of the mandate objectives, on adapting to new challenges resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war. In the analyzed time period, the mission was effective in implementing its advisory and technical tasks, while in implementing its political tasks it had limited possibilities. These limitations resulted, among others, from the complex political situation in Transnistria and the security situation in the region. The subject of the article is particularly important and current in the context of the war in Ukraine. The experience of the EUBAM mission can be used to solve the post-conflict situation, in the field of border management between Ukraine and its territories occupied by the Russian Federation.