A delegation from the Albanian Customs Administration, led by Director General Besmir Beja, held its first coordination meeting in Brussels with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD).

The meeting focused on implementing the European Union’s digital customs systems and achieving full interoperability with the EU’s digital customs environment.

During the talks, Beja discussed Albania’s reforms under Chapter 29, “Customs Union,” with DG TAXUD officials responsible for customs and digitalization. He also presented the progress made by the Albanian Customs Administration.

The discussions focused on completing the legislative process for the new Customs Code and its implementing provisions. Officials also reviewed progress on 22 new information technology systems and modules that Albania is developing in cooperation with UNCTAD.

The new systems aim to meet EU standards and ensure interoperability with European customs systems. They will also support Albania’s broader EU integration process.

During the technical session, representatives of the Albanian Customs Administration, the National Agency of Information Society (AKSHI) and UNCTAD presented the progress of each of the 22 new systems to EU experts.

The participants also reviewed preparations for implementing ASYCUDA 5 (ASY5). They discussed the development of other digital customs systems, including TARIC, the National Single Window, ASYHUB and NCTS.

Officials placed particular emphasis on technical coordination. They also discussed how to ensure that Albania’s systems can operate effectively with the EU’s digital infrastructure.

Beja said that digitalizing customs infrastructure and ensuring interoperability with European systems represent key priorities for Albania’s EU integration.

He also praised the professional capacity of the Albanian Customs Administration staff. The team presented its work on the new systems to European experts during the meetings.

The talks also addressed cooperation mechanisms between Albania and DG TAXUD. Officials discussed progress reporting, monitoring, the exchange of project-specific contact points and further technical coordination.

The two sides agreed to hold regular technical meetings. They also agreed to organize quarterly meetings to assess overall progress.

The next coordination meeting will take place in Tirana in three months. Officials will review the progress achieved during the period and discuss the next steps.

Meanwhile, Albania continues its preparations for implementing NCTS. The country is also advancing the legal process to join the Convention on a Common Transit Procedure.

The Albanian Customs Administration has prepared the draft law approving the convention. The government is expected to review the draft before sending it to the Parliament of Albania, in line with national procedures.

The coordination meeting with DG TAXUD marks another step in strengthening technical cooperation between Albania and the European Union. It also supports Albania’s commitments under Chapter 29, “Customs Union,” as part of the EU accession negotiations.