Moldova Joins Neighbours to Combat Poaching in the Black Sea

The Republic of Moldova has joined a regional project with a budget of approximately €1.3 million aimed at protecting Black Sea biodiversity and combating poaching and illegal fishing, together with Romania and Ukraine.

The official launch of the project will take place on 12 January 2026 in Brăila, Romania. The project BSB00927 – ISTROS (“Strengthening Biodiversity Protection Across Borders”) is implemented under the EU Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme and will run until March 2028.

The total project budget amounts to €1,276,039, of which 90% is financed through non-repayable EU funds, while 10% is provided as co-financing by the project partners. The initiative brings together four partners from the Black Sea region: the Police Inspectorate and the Prefect’s Institution of Brăila County (Romania); the Izmail unit of the National Guard of Ukraine; and the National Public Security Inspectorate of the General Police Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova.

The project’s objective is to strengthen the operational capacities of law enforcement agencies to prevent poaching and illegal fishing in the Black Sea basin, preserve the region’s unique ecosystems and enhance cross-border cooperation. Activities include the development of a Best Practices Manual, joint exercises and trainings, public awareness campaigns, and the procurement of specialised field equipment.

IDR analytical comment

The ISTROS project illustrates the growing linkage between environmental protection and regional security in the Black Sea basin. Illegal fishing and poaching represent not only ecological threats but also governance and socio-economic risks, particularly in a context of heightened instability. By aligning operational practices and strengthening cooperation among Moldova, Ukraine and Romania, the project contributes to institutional trust-building and supports the EU’s integrated approach to managing the Black Sea and Lower Danube ecosystems.