Between 9–12 September 2025, the Republic of Moldova is hosting a working visit of experts from the Swedish Migration Agency, carried out within the framework of the Twinning Project “Strengthening the capacities of the General Inspectorate for Migration to implement legislation on migration and asylum management in line with the EU acquis.”

The activities were launched at the General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM), with the participation of Sophie Dagand, representative of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In her message, Sophie Dagand emphasized the importance of Moldova’s alignment with European standards in the field of asylum and migration, while also highlighting the EU Delegation’s openness to supporting Moldovan authorities in preparing for the transposition of the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum, with the Twinning Project serving as a concrete example in this regard.

The purpose of this mission is to assess the current situation regarding the identification and management of vulnerable groups and persons with special needs (including unaccompanied minors) within the national asylum and migration system, as well as to verify the compliance of existing processes with European Union standards.

During the visit, Swedish experts are collaborating with GIM staff, as well as with representatives of other state institutions, local authorities, international organizations, and NGOs, to map how vulnerable cases are identified and managed.

Discussions held at GIM headquarters, with the participation of representatives of the General Inspectorate of Border Police (GIBP) and the General Police Inspectorate (GPI), focused on the steps followed by a person upon entering the country, the information process and materials made available to foreigners, as well as the procedures applied to vulnerable persons, including minors, and how these cases are identified and managed. Since GIBP is the first-contact authority at the border, the essential role of border officers in the early detection of special needs was underlined, particularly in situations involving persons with disabilities or other acute vulnerabilities.

At the same time, discussions with the GPI focused on combating human trafficking, investigating cases and identifying victims or potential victims, as well as coordinating appropriate protection measures.

This activity falls under Component 3 – Activity 3.2.1. of the Twinning Project, dedicated to aligning the Republic of Moldova with European standards in the field of migration and asylum. At the same time, the mission is part of the screening agenda and the “Rule of Law” Roadmap, being monitored by the Delegation of the European Union.

Through these actions, the General Inspectorate for Migration and its partners strengthen Moldova’s capacity to adequately respond to the needs of vulnerable persons, contributing to the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

The Twinning Project is implemented by a consortium of three EU Member States – Sweden (project leader), Greece, and Romania. It aims to contribute to strengthening the capacities of the GIM to align with Moldova’s commitments under the European integration process, in Chapter 24 “Justice, Freedom and Security.”

The project has a duration of 18 months (starting 1 April 2025) and a budget of EUR 1.25 million, allocated for the implementation of planned activities.