In a press release, the General Directorate of Customs (DPD) announced that the Conference will bring together for the first time in Albania the Directors General of Customs from the Western Balkans and EU member states, along with representatives from the European Commission and relevant regional and international institutions, to reaffirm their commitment to deepening customs cooperation in support of the European Union enlargement process.

Building on the enhanced cooperation in Europe, as reaffirmed at the European Political Committee meeting in Tirana on May 16, 2025, the EU enlargement to the Western Balkans stands as the Union’s most crucial geopolitical investment.

The meeting is set to highlight the critical role of customs in easing trade and advancing economic integration throughout the region. Participants will focus on enhancing regional customs collaboration and boosting trade between CEFTA and the European Union.

The conference will serve as a platform for a new initiative aimed at strengthening customs partnerships. It represents a unique opportunity to align regional efforts with the best EU practices 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. /j.p/sm/