Albania will host a high-level customs conference on June 12 aimed at deepening trade cooperation between the European Union and the Western Balkans, the country’s Customs Administration announced on Monday.
The Second High-Level Conference of Directors General of Customs from EU member states and the Western Balkans will take place in Tirana under the title: “Customs Partnership for a Connected Europe – Deepening CEFTA-EU Customs Cooperation for Seamless Connectivity.”
The event, held in Albania for the first time, will bring together senior customs officials from across the region, along with representatives from the European Commission and other key regional and international institutions. Organisers say the gathering aims to strengthen customs cooperation and support the EU enlargement process.
The conference follows the European Political Community meeting held in Tirana on May 16, where EU leaders reaffirmed the integration of the Western Balkans as a strategic priority.
“This conference underscores the critical role customs play in facilitating trade and fostering regional economic integration,” the Albanian Customs Administration said in a statement.
Discussions will focus on improving cooperation between the EU and CEFTA countries — members of the Central European Free Trade Agreement — with the goal of creating a more connected and efficient regional market.
A new initiative to strengthen customs partnerships across the region will also be launched during the event, offering what organisers describe as a key opportunity to align regional practices with EU standards.
The conference is being organised by the Albanian Customs Administration in partnership with Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency, the CEFTA Secretariat and SEED+ project, and the Transport Community Secretariat.