Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The European Commission is funding a EUR 250,000 Twinning Project to strengthen North Macedonia’s customs administration, aligning it with EU standards. The initiative supports the drafting and adoption of a National Implementing Regulation fully harmonized with the Union Customs Code, enhancing trade facilitation and institutional capacity in preparation for EU integration.
Programme Overview
The European Commission seeks to enhance the legal and institutional framework of customs administration in North Macedonia. The programme aims to:
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Improve customs capacity to support EU integration
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Facilitate efficient trade operations in line with EU norms
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Develop a comprehensive National Implementing Regulation, including all annexes such as customs forms, fully harmonized with the Union Customs Code (UCC) and its Implementing, Delegated, and Transitional Acts
The action is part of the EU’s ongoing commitment to institutional capacity building and legal approximation in candidate and potential candidate countries.
Key Objectives
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Customs Capacity Building
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Strengthen institutional procedures and workflows
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Enhance operational readiness and compliance with EU regulations
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Legal Approximation
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Draft and adopt National Implementing Regulations aligned with the UCC
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Harmonize all annexes, forms, and administrative procedures with EU legislation
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Ensure consistency, legal certainty, and alignment with evolving EU acquis
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Trade Facilitation
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Improve efficiency and transparency of customs procedures
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Support cross-border trade in accordance with EU standards
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Funding Details
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Total Budget: EUR 250,000
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Funding Mechanism: EU-funded Twinning Contract
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Purpose: Technical assistance and legal support for customs regulation development
Who is Eligible?
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Eligible Applicants: Public Administrations and mandated bodies from European Union Member States
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Application Channel: Must be submitted through the National Contact Points of EU Member States
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Implementation: Carried out through inter-administrative cooperation mechanisms as defined in the EU Twinning Manual
How the Programme Works
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Application Submission: Public administrations from EU Member States submit proposals via National Contact Points.
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Selection and Contracting: The European Commission selects partners based on expertise and capacity to provide technical assistance.
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Project Implementation: Twinning partners provide hands-on technical support to North Macedonia’s Customs Administration.
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Drafting Regulations: Develop the National Implementing Regulation, annexes, and customs forms aligned with EU law.
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Capacity Building: Train staff and implement procedures to ensure legal and operational readiness.
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Monitoring and Evaluation: Ensure harmonization, compliance, and sustainability of adopted regulations.
Key Benefits
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Full alignment with the Union Customs Code and EU regulations
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Strengthened institutional capacity for customs administration
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Improved trade facilitation and operational efficiency
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Support for North Macedonia’s EU integration process
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Clear and consistent legal framework for customs operations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for this Twinning Project?
Public Administrations and mandated bodies from EU Member States only.
2. What is the total budget of the project?
EUR 250,000, provided through an EU Twinning Contract.
3. What is the main objective of the programme?
To strengthen North Macedonia’s customs administration and harmonize its laws and procedures with the EU Union Customs Code.
4. How are applications submitted?
Through the National Contact Points of EU Member States, following procedures outlined in the EU Twinning Manual.
5. What does “harmonization with the UCC” involve?
Drafting and adopting National Implementing Regulations, annexes, and customs forms fully aligned with the Union Customs Code, including Delegated and Implementing Acts.
6. Will the project include capacity-building activities?
Yes, Twinning partners provide training and technical support to ensure operational readiness and compliance.
7. Why is this initiative important for North Macedonia?
It enhances legal certainty, consistency, and trade facilitation, supporting the country’s EU integration efforts.
Conclusion
By providing technical assistance, legal expertise, and inter-administrative cooperation, this EU Twinning Project ensures that North Macedonia’s customs administration meets EU standards. The initiative strengthens institutional capacity, promotes trade facilitation, and supports the country’s integration into the European Union, providing long-term benefits for governance, commerce, and legal alignment.
For more information, visit EC.