The candidacy of Warsaw to host the European Union Customs Authority (EUCA) was showcased on Wednesday at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. “We have compelling arguments, including expertise, a robust tax administration, and a strong technical proposal,” stated Deputy Foreign Minister Ignacy Niemczycki to PAP.
Poland submitted its application to the European Commission to establish EUCA in Warsaw at the end of November, competing against other nations including Belgium (Liège), Spain (Malaga), France (Lille), Croatia (Zagreb), Italy (Rome), the Netherlands (The Hague), Portugal (Porto), and Romania (Bucharest).
The EUCA is intended to assist Member States’ customs authorities in streamlining customs procedures for businesses and ensuring effective duty and tax collection for both the EU and national budgets. Additionally, its role includes enhancing the protection of the EU market from hazardous or illegal products.
“Frontex, an agency focused on border issues, is already operational in Warsaw. We believe there is a natural synergy between these two agencies. We are working to persuade MEPs to support Warsaw as the location for this EU agency,” Niemczycki informed the Polish Press Agency. He mentioned that the decision is anticipated to be finalized in the first quarter of this year as the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reach a consensus.
The Deputy Permanent Representative of Poland to the European Union, Arkadiusz Pluciński, highlighted in an interview that during Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, a compromise was achieved regarding the reform of the EU Customs Code.
“The only remaining task is to select the seat for the EU Customs Authority. Notably, Central and Eastern Europe is still underrepresented by European agencies. As the largest country in the region, Poland should be prioritized,” he stated.
The plenipotentiary of the Minister of Finance and Economy for the establishment of EUCA in Warsaw, Małgorzata Krok, also participated in the event. She told the Polish Press Agency that the new authority will aim to enhance the security of the EU’s borders concerning goods.
“Warsaw appears to be the most suitable location for this authority. With Frontex managing the movement of people, having an agency focused on the movement of goods would enable us to create a cohesive hub for border security. Without proper security, there can be no competitiveness in the single market, no safety for Polish citizens, and no fair playing field for our businesses,” she added.
Accelerating the reform of the EU Customs Code, which will serve as the foundation for the new authority, was a key focus during Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of the previous year. (21.01.26)
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