Croatia has presented its candidacy to host the EU's new customs agency in Zagreb, showcasing a prepared building and emphasizing safety and geographic equity in agency distribution across the EU.
Croatian officials, including State Secretary for Europe Andreja Metelko-Zgombić and Customs Administration Director Mario Demirović, presented the national candidacy for the headquarters of the upcoming EU Customs Agency (EUCA) in Zagreb to diplomats from member states. Croatia is competing against eight other member states, touting its readiness through an available building, its secure environment, and the potential for a more equitable geographic distribution of EU agencies.
The establishment of the EU Customs Agency is part of a broader reform of EU customs legislation intended to streamline operations and enhance efficiency across European borders. With nine member countries vying for the headquarters, the decision-making process will culminate in a joint decision by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, emphasizing the collaborative nature of EU governance.
This candidacy holds particular significance for Croatia as it seeks to establish itself as a central player within the EU framework, potentially increasing its influence and fostering economic growth in the region. The successful appointment of the EUCA to Zagreb could lead to a more balanced distribution of EU agencies, which historically have been concentrated in more established member states, thus changing the dynamics of EU operations and representation.
