Dimitrieska-Koçoska: Investments with EU support are modernizing customs

“We are transforming customs into a modern, efficient and secure institution.” The Minister of Finance made the statement at the Tabanovce border crossing, where the results of successfully completed projects under the action document “EU against organized crime, with support for trade” were presented. The value of the European Union’s support for the project amounts to around 4 million euros.

The minister stressed that the investment should not be viewed solely in terms of the equipment provided, but above all as support for an institution of particular importance to the state. According to her, customs plays a role in protecting financial interests, combating organized and cross-border crime, and creating conditions for the development of faster and more streamlined trade.

As part of the EU assistance, specialized equipment and modern technology for inspections and investigations, IT equipment and software, as well as new vehicles for mobile customs teams and the K-9 unit, have been provided. According to the minister, these investments improve customs officers’ working conditions, increase mobility and strengthen their ability to detect and prevent illegal trade and cross-border crime.

Another area in which investments are being focused is digitalization. This process is expected to reduce the number of administrative procedures, facilitate access to customs systems and shorten the time needed to complete procedures.

“The development of the EORI2 systems and the platform for the unified management of user identities and digital signatures represents an important step toward a single, simpler and more secure digital approach to customs services. This is particularly important for economic operators. For the customs administration, these systems provide more complete and higher-quality data, greater security and better connectivity between systems,” the minister said.

She added that the changes are part of the harmonization with European customs standards and preparations for integration into the Single Market and the European Union Customs Union.

The minister also highlighted the importance of creating suitable conditions for customs officers, as a strong institution is also built through the work of the people who implement these standards every day. In this context, she expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with the European Union, through which several projects supporting the customs administration have been carried out during the past period, including at the Tabanovce border crossing.

Through the IPA 1 Programme, several projects have so far been successfully implemented to help improve customs processes and the working system. With funding of 1.8 million euros, the facilities for customs clearance and inspection were reconstructed and expanded.

Meanwhile, with support worth 1 million euros, procurements were carried out to advance processes at the Tabanoc border crossing. In this context, vehicles, GPS equipment for monitoring vehicles, IT and multifunctional equipment, office equipment, protective clothing for official inspections, as well as other equipment for carrying out these inspections, were purchased, the minister noted.