Formative Process of EUBAM and Transfiguration of Effective Sovereignty in Moldova

Abstract

The realization of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Moldova contains unending fascination in terms of Border Studies. The Republic of Moldova involves a de facto independent state named as Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic（PMR, or Transnistria）. The PMR “Constitution” defines the left bank areas of Nistru River as the PMR territory and proclaims the state border between Moldova and PMR. The “territory,” however, includes areas under the control of Moldova, or areas where the “Constitution” does not define. Therefore, the unnatural border is not equivalent to the border line that PMR insists on. Under such circumstances, Moldova must exercise state sovereignty on the complicated areas and may face with difficulty in characteristic boundary issues.

Since the establishment in 2005, EUBAM（EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine）has extended the influence on the boundary concept in Moldova as well as the unrecognized state. EUBAM is not an international arbitration organization to deal with border issues between Moldova and PMR. EUBAM is a technical advisor which updates border control system with the EU standard and improves monitoring skills to cross-border activities depending on requests from Moldova and Ukraine. It seems less effective for the solution of boundary issues, but the reality is different. The EUBAM standpoint has brought results, which diplomacy by conventional manners could not achieve for decades.

This paper, referring to disputes concerning effective sovereignty, analyzes the establishment process of EUBAM and the diplomatic achievement aimed at the solution of Transnistrian conflict. Additionally, it discusses boundary issues which have newly risen since the outbreak of Ukrainian War.