The border crossing situation over the past 24 hours has ranked among substantial events, reflecting continued efforts by law enforcement to monitor and manage the flow of individuals crossing between various nations. On February 28, 2025, reports indicated approximately 43,432 crossings at Moldova’s border, demonstrating significant movement through notable checkpoints.
The busiest crossing points included the Chișinău International Airport with 11,467 crossings, Leușeni with 7,209, Sculeni at 4,689, the joint crossing Palanca with 3,412, and Otaci facilitating 3,060 passengers. According to the Poliția de Frontieră, on the entry to Moldova, 23 foreign citizens were refused authorization to cross the state border, highlighting enforcement measures in place to maintain national security and adherence to legal stipulations.
Among the violations reported during this period were two cases of illegal border crossing and two incidences involving the use of false documents. Other breaches encompassed failures to comply with residing and entrance rules, which totaled six violations, alongside twelve infractions related to crossing regulations and breach of border regime protocols. The Poliția de Frontieră provided alternative crossing suggestions to avoid congestion at certain checkpoints, such as advising the use of alternative routes for the Leușeni-Albița and Sculeni-Sculeni border points.
Meanwhile, border activity on February 27, 2025, saw the entry of about 54,200 individuals crossing from neighboring countries (including Serbia, Moldova, and Ukraine). Formalities were facilitated for 28,757 people entering Romania and 6,649 vehicles. Notably, from February 10, 2022, to February 27, 2025, Romania has seen the entry of over 11.2 million Ukrainian citizens, adjusting to refugee influx throughout the geopolitical conflict.
The enhancement of border management continued with the introduction of tools allowing citizens to monitor waiting times at crossing points through online services. A dedicated application assists travelers, ensuring they are informed of current conditions, thereby alleviating potential delays.
The Romanian border police have aimed to streamline checkpoints following the removal of border controls along internal borders with Hungary and Bulgaria effective January 1, 2025. Consequently, movement between the Schengen area is more simplified, allowing for individual passage without continuous document checks. Random supervision is still implemented within 30 kilometers of the internal line for legality enforcement, which includes identity checks by local police or gendarmerie forces.
Recent enforcement actions taken by Romanian border police resulted in the detention of 61 illegal actions, classified as 22 criminal activities and 39 contraventions within just 24 hours. Authorities levied fines totaling around 14,050 lei and confiscated goods worth approximately 3,389,100 lei marking their commitment to upholding consumer safety and legal parameters.
Tragically, border compliance remains staunchly enforced, as 33 foreign individuals were denied entry based on legal shortcomings, with seven Romanian citizens prevented from leaving the country due to various legal reasons. The presence of law enforcement remains palpable as they strive continuously to facilitate safe travel, urging all participants to respect crossing regulations.
Emphasizing safety, authorities have reminded travelers and cyclists to respect circulating laws to minimize traffic risks. The police have underscored the importance of compliance for cyclists especially, promoting safety gear, including helmets and reflective elements to safeguard against potential accidents.
Through education and engagement, police campaigns re-emphasize the importance of secure travel, targeting every road user, including those utilizing animal-drawn vehicles. Guidelines provided outreach about ride responsibility, enhancing safety adherence across transportation modes.
Conclusively, the cross-border dynamics remain integral not only to national security but also to ensuring safe transit for citizens and travelers alike. With 24-hour operations adapting to changes, law enforcement stands firm on the frontier, committed to preventing unlawful entry and ensuring lawful interactions within these key transit areas.