EU Finance Ministers could reach a political agreement (‘general approach’) on the reform of the EU Customs Code by the end of June (see EUROPE 13609/17). Some Member States have already indicated that they will apply to host the future European customs authority.
According to a diplomatic source, on Friday 20 June, at the Ecofin Council in Luxembourg, “the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU will present ministers with an overview of the progress made on this issue so that they can have an exchange of views”. “The Commission is continuing to work with a view to the possible approval of a negotiating mandate by the end of the Presidency and, of course, a negotiating mandate for discussions with the European Parliament”, said the source on Tuesday 17 June.
“Once the legislation has been adopted, the co-legislators will have to choose the seat of the future European customs authority. This has not been discussed by the Council of the EU and will not be now. It would be premature to speculate on this subject, as it does not concern today, tomorrow or next week”, said the diplomatic source.
However, some Member States have already announced their candidacies - Lille being supported by France and the Netherlands. Poland and Croatia may also apply. (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)