An awareness raising campaign on corruption side effects was launched today by the Customs Service, with the support of the EU-funded project ‘Assistance to the Implementation of EU High Level Advisers’ Mission’, highlighting efforts in support of the fight against corruption and implementation of Customs reform in the Republic of Moldova.

The campaign “Stop Corruption – Integrity has priority” was launched today at Leuseni border crossing point. Its primary goal is to raise awareness about the side effects of corruption on the investment and business climate, as well as the repercussions on the institutional image and the country as a whole. Elements of the awareness raising campaign included installing banners in seven major border crossing points (Leuseni, Chisinau, Otaci, Sculeni, Tudora, Cahul, Criva), as well distributing 20 thousand book signs and banners.

In his opening speech, Director General of the Customs Service Vitalie VRABIE stated: ‘Combatting of this phenomenon implies, first of all, a change of general perceptions about corruption and its destructive nature. That is why we prioritize integrity which in Customs means development, modernisation, transparency, professionalism and efficiency. At the same time, integrity is one of the key elements necessary in order to ensure good institutional functioning based on good governance principles.’

The EU High-Level Adviser on Customs, Rosario De Blasio highlighted that in the last year the institutional capacity and integrity of the Customs Service have been strengthened, and customs control procedures have been simplified. Yet, despite progress in the sector, further improvements including innovative approaches and surveillance tools are still needed for modernising the institution.

Citizens crossing the border were informed on the responsibility for committing corruption through offering undue rewards. They were also provided with the campaign visibility materials featuring the specialised anti-corruption hotline +373 22 574 111.

Background information

The EU High-Level Advisers’ Mission project is funded by the EU. The implementation period is 2016 – 2019. Beneficiary institutions include the Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, State Chancellery, Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection, National Bank, Supreme Security Council, General Prosecutor’s Office, Customs Service, National Anticorruption Centre, National Food Safety Agency.