Nine cities for EU Customs

Nine EU cities are competing to host the new European Union Customs Authority (EUCA), a key part of the EU’s major customs reform: 

Málaga, Lille, Warsaw, Porto, The Hague, Liège, Rome, Zagreb, and Bucharest, with the final decision expected soon after applications closed in late November 2025. This new agency will centralize customs expertise, run the new EU Customs Data Hub for digital processing, and aim to simplify trade while enhancing security, replacing fragmented national systems. 

The Nine Contenders

• Spain: Málaga
• France: Lille
• Poland: Warsaw
• Portugal: Porto
• Netherlands: The Hague
• Belgium: Liège
• Italy: Rome
• Croatia: Zagreb
• Romania: Bucharest 

Why It Matters

• Digital Customs Data Hub: The EUCA will manage the new Customs Data Hub, a single portal for businesses to submit data, replacing complex national systems and saving billions.
• Centralized Expertise: It will consolidate knowledge to support national customs authorities, improve risk management, and fight fraud.
• Major Reform: This is part of a significant overhaul of EU customs, including new rules for e-commerce where platforms become “deemed importer