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European Union

EU and Ukraine Collaborate on Digital Border Crossing System

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The European Union External Action Service has issued a news release highlighting the collaboration between the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine and the EU on the eQueue project, a digital system for booking time to cross the border for trucks and buses. The EU is providing funding for the technical maintenance of the system and engaging experts to enhance its performance. The eQueue system has already enabled over 2 million border crossings via online booking since December 12, 2022.

Key Takeaways:

  • The eQueue project is a joint initiative between the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine and the European Union, with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) providing support.
  • The system enables drivers and carriers to manage their time and avoid long physical queues at border crossing points.
  • Registration in eQueue is mandatory for all licensed transport.
  • The system operates at all border points for outbound trucks and buses from Ukraine.
  • The EU will provide funding for the technical maintenance of the system and engage experts to further enhance its performance.
  • The eQueue system has already enabled over 2 million border crossings via online booking since December 12, 2022.
  • The system is part of a larger initiative to support Ukraine's efforts to strengthen its resilience during the full-scale war and forced displacement.
  • The EU and Ukraine have an ambitious plan for further improvement, including deeper integration with other registries and ensuring priority crossing for certain vehicle categories.
  • The eQueue project is a model that many EU countries want to follow, with the EU Ambassador to Ukraine describing it as "a great example of how Ukraine turned challenges caused by Russia's war of aggression into smart, digital solutions."

Statistics:

  • Over 2 million border crossings have been enabled via online booking since December 12, 2022.
  • The eQueue system operates at all border points for outbound trucks and buses from Ukraine.
  • The system has been implemented in cooperation with multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the State Service for Transport Safety, the State Agency for Reconstruction and Development of Infrastructure, the State Customs Service, and the State Border Guard Service.
  • The EU provides funding for the technical maintenance of the system.
  • The eQueue project is supported by the EU-funded project "EU for Solidarity Lanes and IBM" implemented by the International Organization for Migration, Mission in Ukraine.

Sources:

  • Brussels: European Union External Action Service - unattributed news release
  • Serhii Derkach, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine (cited in the news release)
  • Katarina Mathernova, EU Ambassador to Ukraine (cited in the news release)
  • David Womble, Acting Chief of Mission at IOM Ukraine (cited in the news release)

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