The Second High-Level Conference of General Directors of Customs from the Western Balkans and EU member states is set to take place in Tirana in mid-June, focusing on enhancing cooperation among these nations.
Entitled “Customs Partnership for a Connected Europe – Deepening CEFTA-EU Customs Cooperation for Uninterrupted Links,” the conference will be held on June 12.
This marks the first gathering in Albania of the General Directors of Customs from the Western Balkans and EU member states, alongside representatives from the European Commission and relevant regional and international organizations, to reaffirm their dedication to advancing customs collaboration in support of the EU’s enlargement process.
In accordance with the strengthened cooperation in Europe, recently endorsed during the European Political Committee meeting in Tirana on May 16, 2025, the enlargement of the European Union to include Western Balkan countries is deemed the EU’s most significant geopolitical investment.
Attendees are expected to highlight the crucial role of customs in facilitating trade and fostering economic integration in the region. Key discussion topics will include enhancing regional customs cooperation and improving trade between CEFTA and the EU.
The conference will act as a platform for a new initiative to reinforce customs partnerships and presents a unique opportunity to align regional efforts with EU best practices while building a more robust regional common market.
This event is being organized by the Albanian Customs Administration, the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, the CEFTA Secretariat / SEED+ project, and the Transport Community Secretariat (TCT), and will be hosted by the Albanian Customs Administration. (June 5)
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