Best practices Narva-Ivangorod Frankurt (Oder), April ’06

Visa exchange between Narva – Ivangorod Background Cities Narva and Ivangorod are situated at the border between Estonia and Russia, which is nowadays a border between the European Union and Russia. To cross the border, it is necessary to have a visa. Historically it has happened so that this border separated many families in Narva and Ivangorod. A partial solution to this problem is consular agreement between Russia and Estonia according to which a certain number of visas annually will be reserved for people living in the areas near the border.

Aims of the initiative To enable easier border-crossing for the Narva and Ivangorod residents To facilitate cultural exchange, to strengthen cooperation between the cities To promote economic growth

Description The agreement was signed in the year 2000 and it came into force from that moment. Since then have Narva inhabitants the possibility to receive annually 2000 free multiple entry visas (in that category are included people whose close relatives reside on the other side of the border).

This category also includes people whose close relatives are buried in the territory of another country and also people who are involved in supporting the activity of the border cooperation. In addition, there is a possibility to get annually 4000 multiple entry visas on discounted conditions, but there is a requirement of a valid health insurance in order to be eligible for receiving those. The same conditions apply to Ivangorod as well.

Resources and financing The scheme requires rather political will and firm intention on behalf of the municipalities involved, not money

Pros and cons Strong sides The scheme does work well for people. The exchange between the people of Narva and Ivangorod is very intense Contribution to economic development is evident, as is to cultural life

Pros and cons (2) Weaknesses The scheme works in a rather unbalanced way for the cities: economic benefits go to Ivangorod and cultural life is taking place mostly in Narva The scheme does not give permission to work, so it does not contribute to exchange of workforce between the cities The flow of people across the border is hugely dependent on economic situation of the cities and various economic factors such as exchange rate, cost of different commodities

Principe One window New system of custom control IMPORT Goods release 1.Sanitary control 2.Veterinary control 3.Transport control 4.Sanitary-quarantine control If it is necessary «Point Audit» 6 Pre-info Transportation from border to custom Goods receiver 1.Border control 2.Custom control Common Data- base 2 National transit system (NCTS) 4 Principle One stop 3 Electron declaration 5 Pass point 1

Unification and integration to EU Convention for simplification of formalities in trade Convention for single EU transit procedure EU transit system Russia EU Single EU ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENT Simplification of standards for custom clearing Commodity turnover simplification by custom formality reduction Common custom procedure for all participants Efficiency of prevention custom offences Document fraud exclusion Reduction of time for custom formalities

Thank You for your attention!