The project is being financed within the framework of an IPA project with a budget of €1 million to improve the operational capacity of the Montenegrin customs services.
The aims are to reduce the gap between EU Customs Blueprints and the existing system for customs procedures, increase customs revenue by 10%, increase by 3% seizures of illegal and dangerous goods in the fight against organized crime and decrease the examination and control of legitimate trade by 5% by the end of the project.
Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Ambassador Leopold Maurer underlined that the customs union was the beginning of European integration and that the alignment of Montenegrin legislation with European law in this area is hugely important for the integration process.
“The modernization of Montenegro’s customs procedures in line with EU standards is of vital importance for the rule of law and easier trade,” Ambassador Maurer said, emphasizing the importance of a modern customs system in fighting fraud, terrorism and organized crime.
“Reforming the customs in Montenegro and other Western Balkans state is important because this really is a cornerstone of the EU and its common market,” he said.
The Minister for European Integration Gordana Djurovic said that strengthening the capacity of the Customs Administration and customs policies is recognized as a priority.
“This project will produce new value and help further harmonize legislation, strengthen administrative capacity and improve techniques and procedures needed for a high quality customs service,” Minister Djurovic said, noting that the customs policy was one of the first pillars of Montenegro’s independence.
“This project is also very important when it comes to a positive assessment by the European Commission of Montenegro’s capacity for the next phase of integration,” she said.
The project will last 21 months and the expected outcomes are better functioning of the Customs Administration, improved customs legislation and procedures aligned with the European Union acquis and enhanced integrated border management and enforcement.
The twinning project has been concluded between the Agency for European Integration and Economic Development, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance and Customs Administration in cooperation with the Czech Ministry of Finance – General Directorate of Customs and the Customs Administration of Montenegro and Ministry of Finance of Montenegro.
