TIRANA, June 12 /ATA/ The Directors General of Customs Administrations from the Western Balkans and European Union member countries convened on Thursday for the second high-level conference titled “Customs Partnership for a Connected Europe.”
This event served as a key platform to strengthen strategic customs cooperation, support the objectives of the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, and accelerate the region’s alignment with European Union standards.
The conference concluded with the adoption of a Joint Declaration, in which the parties reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating alignment with the EU Customs Code, expanding and institutionalizing the Green and Blue Lanes, and increasing real-time data sharing through the SEED+ system.
Emphasis was also placed on strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and partnerships with the private sector, as well as on supporting the recognition and advancement of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, in her greeting speech, emphasized that the EU enlargement process and the integration of the Western Balkans represent the European Union’s most important geopolitical investment of this decade.
She highlighted that EU membership is not only about economic development and prosperity but also about the shared European values that unite the peoples of the region.
Balluku expressed conviction that, after many challenges, the region is closer than ever to joining the European Union, thanks to the commitment of national administrations and the political will of the member countries.
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj emphasized that Albania is implementing comprehensive reforms in its customs administration, focusing on alignment with EU standards. He highlighted that with the opening of Chapter 29 “Customs” in the EU accession process, the government is working intensively to modernize customs procedures and prepare to join the EU Customs Union.
Edna Karadza, SEED+ Project Manager at the CEFTA Secretariat, stated that digitalization is essential for establishing the regional common market.
She emphasized that SEED+ is the operational tool following the Green and Blue Lanes initiative, ensuring real-time data sharing and enabling faster, more efficient, and more transparent customs procedures.
Karadza highlighted that this system supports the key objectives of the EU’s Growth Plan for connectivity, modernization, and integration with European customs systems.
Genti Gazheli, the Director General of Customs, emphasized that the main priority is to establish a customs system that is both efficient and transparent, one that not only eases legitimate trade but also enhances efforts to combat smuggling, trafficking, and all other types of legal infringements.
“This process requires continuous modernization and improvement of technological systems, managerial capacities, as well as close international cooperation,” he stated.
An essential aspect of this process, Gazheli pointed out, is the assistance and cooperation with customs administrations of European Union member states, particularly with Albania’s neighbouring countries such as Italy and Greece.
“For example, the implementation of initiatives such as the Green Lanes on land routes, which facilitate the movement of goods and reduce waiting times at border crossings, is an important step toward the harmonization of customs procedures. At the same time, the sharing of information within the framework of the Blue Corridor on maritime routes helps manage traffic more efficiently and improves cargo control,” he said.
Gazheli went on saying that these initiatives are part of the continued efforts to build a modern and trustworthy customs system that meets international standards.
The Director General of Greek Customs, Dimitrios Bourikos, announced that a pilot project will be implemented at the Kakavija border crossing in line with EU directives, in cooperation with the Albanian side, as a concrete step toward deepening collaboration and the exchange of customs intelligence.
The project aims to facilitate information sharing and strengthen the fight against smuggling and human trafficking.
He noted that container control initiatives have been underway since 2005, and the SEED mechanism for electronic data exchange has helped improve transparency and efficiency.
Bourikos also mentioned the implementation of green lane practices, which have simplified customs procedures in line with European Union directives.
The Director of the Customs Administration of North Macedonia, Boban Nikollovski, addressed the challenges customs agencies in the region face, particularly the alignment of legislation and customs codes with EU requirements, the development of modern infrastructure, and the improvement of equipment.
The conference featured three thematic sessions focusing on the strategic priorities of customs cooperation.
The first session addressed customs cooperation between the Western Balkans and the EU, highlighting operational successes and challenges in data sharing and legal alignment.
The second session focused on the expansion of the Green and Blue Lanes at CEFTA–EU borders and emphasized the importance of SEED+ for real-time data exchange and system interconnectivity.
The third session examined the role of customs in supporting economic growth and EU enlargement, through the simplification of procedures, support for businesses, and accelerated alignment with European standards.
This high-level meeting further strengthens regional and European cooperation in the field of customs and promotes progress toward a more integrated, competitive, and well-connected market between the Western Balkans and the European Union.
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