Saturday, 1 November 2025
The race to host the headquarters of the new European Union Customs Authority (EUCA) has officially begun, with five countries — Poland, France, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands — declaring their interest in housing the agency. The EUCA is set to become a key institution in the bloc’s ongoing reform of the customs union, coordinating digital data systems and managing customs risk across all Member States.
According to the European Council, applications to host the agency opened in October 2025, with final submissions expected in early 2026 and a decision anticipated by mid-year. The EUCA will be responsible for operating the EU Customs Data Centre, overseeing cross-border customs cooperation, and supporting the protection of the single market. The authority is expected to begin operations between 2026 and 2028, employing roughly 250 staff.
Poland formally launched its candidacy on 31 October 2025, with Finance and Economy Minister Andrzej Domański announcing Warsaw’s bid during a press conference at the Ministry of Finance. The Polish government argues that Warsaw’s position on the EU’s external border, existing infrastructure, and experience hosting Frontex make it an ideal location for the new agency. Deputy Minister Marcin Łoboda, Head of the National Tax Administration (KAS), emphasised Poland’s strong record in customs digitisation and integrated border management.
France has nominated Lille, citing its proximity to Brussels and established logistics infrastructure. Spain entered the competition in September 2025 with Málaga, positioning the southern port city as a growing European logistics and innovation hub. Portugal has proposed Porto, pointing to its maritime economy and modern technology base, while the Netherlands — likely proposing either The Hague or Rotterdam — has expressed interest, leveraging its trade expertise and existing EU agency presence.
The European Council and Commission will assess candidate cities based on accessibility to Brussels, quality of office facilities, security standards, data-centre capacity, housing and schooling options for staff, and synergies with other EU institutions. Shortlisted bids are expected to be announced in spring 2026, followed by a ministerial vote before mid-year.
Observers note that the decision may balance regional representation across the EU. With most EU agencies currently based in Western Europe, a successful Polish bid could reinforce the EU’s commitment to greater geographic diversity. Warsaw’s proposal to host EUCA alongside Frontex — both agencies focused on border and customs security — highlights its ambition to position Poland as a regional centre for EU operational institutions.
Regardless of the outcome, the establishment of the EUCA marks a milestone in the modernisation of the customs union — an initiative aimed at strengthening trade oversight, combating smuggling and counterfeit goods, and improving the resilience of the EU’s single market.
Source: European Council; Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Poland; French Ministry of Economy and Finance; Sur in English; Lusa News; Xinhua; CIJ EUROPE analysis.
