Customs programme for cooperation in the field of customs 2021–2027
The Council adopted its position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Customs programme for cooperation in the field of customs and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013.
The proposal is part of the sectoral proposals completing the package of horizontal proposals on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2021-2027.
The aim of the programme is to support the customs union and customs authorities in order to protect the financial and economic interests of the EU and its Member States, to ensure security and safety within the Union and to protect the Union from unfair and illegal trade while facilitating legitimate business activities.
It aims to provide adequate funding for cooperation actions between customs authorities, electronic systems, administrative capacity building and innovation, and complements national initiatives and investments in this area.
Duration
The duration of the programme should be from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2027. The regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication and should apply retroactively from 1 January 2021.
Specific objectives
The specific objectives of the programme are to support:
- the preparation and uniform implementation of customs legislation and policy;
- customs cooperation;
- administrative and IT capacity building, including human competency and training, as well as the development and operation of European electronic systems;
- innovation in the area of customs policy.
Budget
The financial framework for the implementation of the programme for the period 2021-2027 would be set at EUR 950 million in current prices.
Eligible actions
Actions complementing or supporting the actions implementing the objectives set out in the Customs Control Equipment Instrument Regulation should also be eligible for funding under the programme.
External experts
The selection process for external experts has been clarified. External experts participating in a personal capacity in ad hoc events organised under the programme should be selected by the Commission, including from experts proposed by participating countries. This will ensure that these experts act independently and that there is no conflict of interest with their professional responsibilities.
Information about the selection of all external experts and their participation should be publicly available. The objective of ensuring a balanced representation of stakeholders and the principle of gender equality should be taken into account when selecting external experts.
Responsibilities
The Council position outlines the responsibilities of the Commission and the Member States to ensure the development and operation of European electronic systems. It also obliges the Commission to publish and regularly update an indicative list of European electronic systems financed under the programme.
Implementation
The programme would be implemented through multi-annual work programmes adopted by means of implementing acts. The reference to the multiannual strategic plan for customs has been removed, without however repealing Decision No 70/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the creation of a paper-free environment for customs and trade.
The Council position reinforces the criteria and modalities of the evaluation. The interim and final evaluations, which should be performed no later than four years after the start of the implementation and the completion of the Programme, respectively, should contribute to the efficient decision-making process concerning cooperation in the field of customs under the next multiannual financial frameworks.
A new clause regarding the reporting obligation and extension in respect of the delegation of power has been introduced.