In an era marked by geopolitical instability, border disruptions, cyber threats, and increasing pressure on supply chains, resilience has become a critical capability for customs administrations across the European Union.
The EUCAB Expert Team, through its Support Unit and in close cooperation with all other EUCAB Units, is implementing a structured and pragmatic approach to resilience – designed specifically for the realities of EU customs cooperation.
This approach is built on three interconnected dimensions:
๐๏ธ Organizational resilience focuses on the structures, protocols, and strategic coordination capacities that enable customs administrations to respond effectively to crises. This includes well-defined crisis response mechanisms and continuity plans that ensure core customs functions can operate in critical contexts. It also emphasizes the importance of coordination within and between EU Member States, as well as with relevant national and international partners, depending on the nature of the crisis.
๐ฅ Personnel resilience puts people at the center. Customs officers and staff are often the first to face the pressure of crises, whether at land borders, ports, or airports. Robust recruitment and training procedures, as well as staff exchange mechanisms across Member States, are key to building adaptability, shared understanding, and readiness for complex scenarios.
โ๏ธ Operational resilience ensures that core customs functions, such as risk-based controls, inspections, and trade facilitation can continue under pressure. This includes planning for disruption scenarios, using secure digital tools, safeguarding critical data-sharing systems, and activating coordination across border points when needed. The goal is to keep borders functioning smoothly, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Together, the three dimensions reflect Member Statesโ commitment to strengthen customs operations, not just through innovation, but through preparedness and mutual support. They provide the foundation for:
๐ Mapping resilience-related practices across national customs administrations;
๐ Preparing recommendations and practical insights on how integrity, human resource adaptability, and crisis preparedness can be integrated into customs operations;
๐ Facilitating staff mobility and officer-to-officer learning across the EU;
๐ Embedding resilience into day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
Why it matters:
Resilient customs are essential to securing borders, protecting citizens, and ensuring trade continuityโwhile also playing a vital role in facilitating the movement of essential supplies, equipment, and humanitarian aid, especially in times of crisis.
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Source: LinkedIn
