The second high-level conference of EU-Western Balkans customs leaders will be held in Tirana

The Second High-Level Conference of the General Directors of Customs of the Western Balkans and EU member states will bring discussions on deepening cooperation among countries to Tirana in mid-June.

The conference titled “Customs Partnership for a Connected Europe – Deepening CEFTA-EU Customs Cooperation for Uninterrupted Links” will take place on June 12.

The conference gathers for the first time in Albania the General Directors of Customs of the Western Balkans and EU member states, along with representatives of the European Commission and relevant regional and international institutions, to reaffirm their commitment to deepening customs cooperation in support of the European Union’s enlargement process.

In line with the strengthened cooperation in Europe, as recently approved during the European Political Committee held in Tirana on May 16, 2025, the enlargement of the European Union with the Western Balkan countries is the most significant geopolitical investment of the EU.

During this meeting, the essential role of customs in facilitating trade and promoting economic integration across the region is expected to be emphasized. The topics that will focus the discussions of the participants are strengthening regional customs cooperation and improving trade between CEFTA and the European Union.

The conference will serve as a platform for a new initiative aimed at strengthening customs partnerships and is a unique opportunity to align regional efforts with the best practices of the EU and to build a stronger regional common market.

The event is 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)