— EUCA aims to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, build economic resilience and secure borders. Poland shares the same priorities, assured the minister.
He recalled that accelerating work on the reform of the EU Customs Code, on the basis of which a new office is to be established, was one of the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2025.
Domański drew attention to the central location of Warsawwhich allows customs services to access land, sea and air borders and ensures good connections between the capital city and other European capitals.
— All other member states will be able to reach Warsaw quickly and conveniently. One of the buildings we presented as the EUCA headquarters is located just 2 km from the airport – emphasized the minister.
He also noted the experience of the Polish customs services and the fact that the EU border guard agency, Frontex, is already based in Warsaw. — EUCA and Frontex located next to each other in Warsaw will be more effective and efficient. They will create an EU border center, and I have no doubt that we currently need such a center, he said.
See also: Industry in Europe is catching wind. See how Poland compares to other countries
Domański and Małgorzata Krok, the plenipotentiary for applying for the establishment of the EUCA headquarters in Warsaw, who accompanied him in Brussels, also praised Warsaw as a good city to live in for the office's employees; EUCA ultimately plans to employ 250 employees, most of whom will have to move – at least temporarily – to the capital.
Quality of life in Warsaw
— The quality of life in Poland is really improving. Wages are rising, inflation is falling, unemployment is the second lowest in the European Union. Warsaw itself currently has an unemployment rate close to zero. Warsaw is a vibrant, young and dynamic city. An ideal location for European customs authorities, said the minister.
Krok emphasized that Warsaw is a safe city. — 90 percent residents declare that they feel safe here even at night – she said, also emphasizing that the capital boasts an excellent health care and education system. — Warsaw is also clean, has excellent public transport, parks, and we even have 11 beaches, she said.
The representative added that when it comes to EUCA, Warsaw offers the office three locations to choose from. — All buildings meet the needs of customs authorities. One of them is already ready to start operating. The remaining two are ready to adapt their premises to the needs of EU customs authorities. We also offer financial support of EUR 13 million to cover the initial costs of EUCA in Warsaw, she said.
Other countries competing with Poland for the EUCA seat also presented their candidacies before IMCO. Apart from Poland, the following are applying: Belgium (Liege), Spain (Malaga), France (Lille), Croatia (Zagreb), Italy (Rome), the Netherlands (The Hague), Portugal (Porto) and Romania (Bucharest).
