On October 28-29, 2025, national experts from the EUCAB Communication Network gathered in Paris for their first in-person meeting, dedicated to strengthening collaboration and enhancing how customs authorities communicate about their work and impact.
More than a representative per Member States’s country – a network
The discussions focused on:
- How should customs communicate their key role and responsibilities?
- Where is greater consistency in customs communication most needed?
- How can network members enhance EUCAB’s visibility at both national and EU level?
Drawing on insights shared by French Customs, participants explored how communication builds trust and supports customs missions, from facilitating trade and enforcing economic measures to advancing EU cooperation, as illustrated through the “Customs Threat Assessment” framework.
Communication in the service of action: an immersion at the Gare du Nord border station
In line with EUCAB’s objective of enhancing operational cooperation, participants took part in a practical exercise with a visit to Paris North Station (Gare du Nord) to see first-hand how communication can highlight customs’ crucial role in ensuring safety, facilitating trade, and protecting EU borders.
After Brexit, this unique EU external border in the heart of Paris required adaptation and innovation from Customs to maintain effective controls within a restricted area. The Transmanche Customs Unit operates in one of Europe’s busiest railway stations, a site welcoming over 257 million passengers each year and classified as a historic monument in a dense urban environment, demanding flexible and innovative solutions.
This meeting demonstrated how cooperation and shared learning can lead to stronger, more effective communication about European customs.
Sincere thanks to French Customs for hosting the event and to all participants for their commitment to improve the way that the value and impact of Customs is communicated.
hashtag#CommunicationNetwork hashtag#EUCooperation hashtag#CustomsCommunication hashtag#GareduNord hashtag#EUBorders
Agnes Laurent Karine TREILLE Lauriane Gouil Maeva Daynac Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI)
Source: LinkedIn
