Olha Stefanishyna: Modernization of checkpoints on the border with the EU gives access to the largest European regional programs

The Government has identified problematic issues for the operation of checkpoints on the border with the EU, in particular in the programs for their development in which Ukraine cooperates with other countries. Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna told on air of the Obozrevatel TV.

"We are forming a work plan for each of the checkpoints. That will signal that we are committed to cooperation and open access to the opportunities of the largest regional programs of the European Union - the Danube and Carpathian strategies. They will allow developing regional cooperation with the EU in general and with the countries of the Carpathian and Danube regions in particular. As soon as we start working on these problematic checkpoints, we will unlock our participation in much broader projects," Olha Stefanishyna said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also said that there should be more checkpoints to make it more comfortable for people to cross the border. Currently, 10 priority checkpoint points along the border with the European Union are being discussed, those involved in the joint programs with neighboring countries.

"The second component is joint border and customs control. This is when Ukrainian and, for example, Slovak border guards carry out joint border customs control and do not need to be re-checked on each side. We already have political agreements with neighboring countries and the European Commission. All this will help to simplify procedures, reduce queues and increase the capacity of the border while maintaining security," explained Olha Stefanishyna.