COMMISSION DOUBLES CUSTOMS BUDGET IN MFF
On 3 September, the European Commission adopted a second package of sectoral proposals, completing the framework for the next long term EU budget for 2028–2034. With these proposals the Commission completes the Multiannual Financial Framework, MFF. The overall MFF amounts to almost €2 trillion, representing 1.26% of the EU’s gross national income.
A central element of the budget is the reinforced Single Market and Customs Programme. With €6.2 billion earmarked – doubling the current funding level – the programme aims to strengthen the EU’s Single Market by removing cross-border barriers, driving standardisation and fostering cooperation between national administrations. It will also reduce administrative burdens in customs, taxation and anti-fraud areas, while funding the development and dissemination of European statistics to support evidence-based policymaking.
The programme consolidates several existing instruments – the Single Market Programme, Customs, the Customs Control Equipment Instrument, Fiscalis and the Union Anti-Fraud Programme – into a coherent strategy designed to underpin EU economic security. The Commission stresses that the enlarged budget should allow for more effective deployment of customs control equipment, enhanced data-driven customs supervision and greater resilience of the Union’s supply chains.
Next steps require unanimous approval by Member States in the Council, alongside consent from the European Parliament. The sectoral proposals will follow the ordinary legislative procedure or other specific processes depending on the legal base.
CLECAT welcomes the doubling of the customs budget which sends a strong signal of the EU’s commitment to modernising and digitalising its customs union. The consolidation of customs-related instruments into a single programme should, in principle, support more efficient policymaking and funding allocation. However, it will be crucial that additional resources are channelled into practical measures – such as IT development, risk management and capacity building at borders – that directly benefit the logistics sector and facilitate legitimate trade.