Portugal is in contention to host the headquarters of the new European Union Customs Authority, with Porto shortlisted among nine candidate cities across the bloc. A final decision is expected on 25 March, when the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament will jointly determine the location of the agency’s permanent base.
The creation of the European Union Customs Authority marks a significant step in strengthening customs coordination across member states. The body will be responsible for supporting and harmonising the work of national customs administrations, ensuring consistent enforcement of EU trade rules, and enhancing cooperation in the fight against fraud and illicit trade.
Alongside Porto, the competing cities are Bucharest, Liège, Lille, Malaga, Rome, The Hague, Warsaw and Zagreb. Each candidate has presented its infrastructure capacity, connectivity, administrative readiness and strategic advantages as part of the formal selection process overseen EU institutions.
The procedure approved the Council establishes that both the Council and the European Parliament will independently select two preferred cities from the nine candidates initially validated the European Commission. If one city appears on both shortlists, it will automatically be designated as the host without requiring a further vote. If there is no overlap, additional voting rounds will take place until a single location secures majority backing.
In January, members of the European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection committees held hearings with representatives from each candidate country. Portugal’s case was presented Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel and Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, who highlighted Porto’s logistical strengths, international accessibility and experience hosting European institutions and multinational organisations.
Supporters of Porto’s bid argue that the city offers a strategic Atlantic location with strong transport links, a growing technology ecosystem and a high quality of life capable of attracting international civil servants. They also point to Portugal’s active role in EU trade discussions and customs modernisation efforts in recent years.
The establishment of the EU Customs Authority is part of a broader reform of the European customs framework aimed at adapting to increased digital trade, e commerce growth and evolving supply chain risks. The agency is expected to enhance data sharing, risk assessment and operational alignment between member states, contributing to more efficient border management within the single market.
Hosting the headquarters would represent a significant institutional gain for Portugal, reinforcing Porto’s position as an international administrative hub and generating economic activity linked to staffing, services and infrastructure.
The decision scheduled for 25 March will conclude months of evaluation and diplomatic engagement among member states, as the European Union advances its efforts to modernise and centralise customs oversight across the bloc.
