December 2025 marked the final stage of a transformative year for Integrated Border Management (IBM) in Ukraine. Among the top developments was the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of the new Customs Code in its first reading – a document aligned with EU norms, aiming to ensure transparent, fully digitalized customs procedures.

Despite the seasonal slowdown in border traffic, over 2.1 million people and 536,000 vehicles crossed Ukraine’s western borders during the month. Customs payments to the state budget reached UAH 65 billion – a 12% increase compared to December 2024. Over the course of the year, nearly 10,000 customs violations were recorded, amounting to over UAH 10 billion.

Customs digital transformation continued, with preparations launched for NCTS Phase 6 and the mandatory introduction of the e-CMR system for international freight transport. As part of Ukraine’s EU integration dialogue, technical screening under the Customs Union chapter progressed, and compliance assessment procedures for seaports were discussed.

Ukraine’s progress in border and customs reform was positively acknowledged by key partners – including FRONTEX, the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM), and the European Commission. Important infrastructure upgrades also moved forward, with continued modernization of border crossing points on the borders with Poland, Romania, and Hungary – many of them supported by EU funding.

👉 Download the full December IBM Digest (PDF).