Ep 2 - Mr Ghenadie Astrahan, Border Police of Moldova

In this episode, Mr. Astrahan elaborates on the challenges the Moldovan Border Police is facing during the COVID-19 crisis in relation to implementation of contingency plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and in regional co-ordination. Mr. Astrahan also gives an in-depth overview of logistical adjustments and arrangements put in place to provide psychological support for border guards in these times of crisis.

Transnational Treats Department – Border Security and Management Unit releases ‘Live from the Borders’ podcast series

The spread of the novel coronavirus is having disruptive effects on the freedom of movement of people and goods across the borders, affecting also the usual operation of border security and management agencies in the OSCE area and beyond.

Front-line officers at the borders are the first ones to be confronted with this new reality. They have to face numerous challenges, from those deriving from the restricted access to the border crossing for people and goods to the difficulties connected to setting up a border crossing point where it did not exist anymore (e.g. Schengen zone).

They have to face the challenges to keep themselves and others safe and protected from the virus while performing their duties. Furthermore, they have to address specific questions and requests of people wishing to cross the border, despite the restrictive measures.

The COVID-19 outbreak generated multiple legitimate questions: are front-line officers ready to respond to all these unprecedented situations? Are they trained to manage the potential implications of health crises at the borders? Do they have adequate resources, tools and protective equipment? Do they identify innovative ways to effectively respond to the new circumstances? What are the best practices and lessons learned that can be shared with their colleagues?

In a new series of podcasts, the OSCE TNTD/BSMU is interviewing front-line officers at the borders in an effort to answer the above-mentioned questions and illustrate the current situation on the field.

Apart from the before mentioned topics, the podcast will tackle issues such as travel and freedom of movement in these exceptional circumstances – trying to provide simple answers to difficult questions.