From 25 May to 29 May 2026, a first EUCAB mission in the field of mobility and exchange of customs officers took place in Latvia, at the Terehova Customs Control Point.
The Latvian Customs were the first to implement the new EUCAB initiative, hosting customs officers from five EU Member States: Estonia, Luxembourg, Croatia, Sweden, and Slovakia.
Participants had the opportunity to work side by side, promoting a unified approach and demonstrating that innovation in customs work involves not only technology, but also the improvement of processes, strengthening cooperation, and joint risk management.
They emphasized the importance of reinforcing of coordinated approach in the control of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, where international coordination and consistent practice are crucial for effective supervision.
The hosting partyโs perspective on the mission. Inga Kruลกanova, Shift Supervisor of Latgale Customs Control Point of the National Customs Board:
โIt was a huge challenge to host mission participants from different countries. The international colleagues were truly invested in everything and interested in learning about the work processes at the Terehova Customs Control Point and our experience in implementing sanctions restrictions. Participation in the mission provided an excellent opportunity to share our experience not only in the field of sanctions enforcement but also in general customs procedures at the checkpoint. It was also a valuable opportunity to learn about the practices of other countries, helping to identify both similarities and differences in our approaches. By the end of the mission, it was particularly interesting to hear what aspects of our work processes they appreciated and would consider implementing in their own customs posts. Participation in the mission is an opportunity to get experience, expand knowledge, and meet new people from different countries.โ
Management-level perspective. Inta Kovaฤผevska, Deputy Director of the National Customs Board of the State Revenue Service:
โThe EUCAB mission at the Terehova Border Crossing Point has been a highly positive and valuable experience. It is a practice worth integrating into regular operational cycle and further developing. Our team and colleagues from the EU Member Statesโ Customs Services recognised that this mission brings clear, practical added value. This mission placed a strong emphasis on sanctions control, and our partners acknowledged that our control measures are rigorous โ exactly as they must be in the field of sanctions enforcement. Throughout the project, we have also identified new ideas and opportunities to strengthen our processes even further. We extend our sincere appreciation to EUCAB and all mission participants for their active engagement and support, which have been essential to the successful implementation of this project.โ
Mission participant from Estonia, Teesaar Stina, evaluates her experience:
โI found the mission beneficial overall. The mission provided a useful opportunity to exchange knowledge and discuss practical challenges with other customs officers from other countries. I think similar future exchanges would support continuing professional development and strengthen cooperation between customs authorities. I really enjoyed the experience overall and thank you very much!โ
Mission participant Lukรกลก Oleksa from Slovakia shares his impressions:
โI want to say a big thank you for the opportunity to participate in this mission. Everything was absolutely perfect and organisation was at a very high professional level. For me, it was an amazing project, and the theory perfectly connected with real practise. Everything I learned will be a great asset to my daily work back home. Thank you once again and I truly hope we will see each other again in future!โ
Many thanks to Latvian Customs for ensuring the full organizational process and the successful conduct of the mission in Terehova.
More on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/eucab-eu-customs-alliance-for-borders_customsunion-officermobility-staffexchage-activity-7465022027620540416-RZdv/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABkYfroBB4wkNjM72aykyn68jQTt-caJf7w
