Directors of Customs meet for the first time at Europol

Europol and the Luxembourg Presidency, represented by Mr Bellot, Director General of Customs organised a meeting of Member States' Directors of Customs administrations. Customs agencies from 22 Member States as well as representatives from the World Customs Organisation met for the first time in this setting to take stock of the level of cooperation existing between Europol and Customs but also to discuss possible new avenues of cooperation.

This meeting was set up alongside the European Police Chiefs Convention in which Directors of Customs also participated.

Mr Wainwright, Director of Europol, said in his welcoming address: "As Europol looks into the future and reflects upon its new strategy, it is important that we listen carefully and take into account your input in this discussion. Customs is a historical and essential stakeholder for Europol. Europol has historically been built upon the expertise and presence of different law enforcement agencies."

Mr van Gemert, Deputy Director Operations of Europol, stressed that this meeting was particularly timely as Europol is involved in a number of key areas in which Customs have a role to play, be it in EU crime priorities, joint operations or in assessing the growing threats throughout the European Union.

Presentations were delivered from Europol's and from Member States’ sides and discussions highlighted in particular the added value in fighting organised and serious crimes as well as terrorism, and of inter-agency cooperation. This cooperation benefits greatly from the expertise available within the different Customs administrations and from Europol's support to all relevant authorities.