Greenlane study day

Greenlane study day

Greenlane study day on the 

Current Challenges in Customs & Trade Enforcement in the EU

Hosted by the University of Liège and Cassidy Levy Kent (Europe) 

NH Berlaymont, Brussels, 24 April 2025

 

There are today significant differences between how the customs authorities of the EU’s Member States enforce the EU’s common customs rules.  Some authorities go for all criminal and small fines, others for high fines through administrative investigations.  Legal challenge can be common, or rare.  This creates significant distortions to the functioning of the single market and the collection of customs duties, an important source of revenue for the EU.  Quality information about the actual practices of Member States is difficult to come by.  The new European Public Prosecutor office has the potential of introducing significant changes to those practices, and the ongoing reform of the Union Customs code could be the opportunity to create more effectiveness and cohesion.

It is therefore with great pleasure that we are inviting you to a conference bringing together officials and customs practitioners from all over the EU to discuss key enforcement challenges in the EU’s member states. This event will provide an excellent platform for knowledge sharing and meaningful discussions with experts in the field.

Date: 24 April 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM
Location: NH Berlaymont, Bd Charlemagne 11/19, 1000 Bruxelles

 

Conference Agenda

Breakfast (8:30-9:00)

 Introduction (9:00 – 9:30)

• Speakers:

Prof. Vanessa Franssen, University of Liège

Yves Melin, Partner, Cassidy Levy Kent (Europe)

2. Customs Duties as a Traditional Own Resource (9:30 – 10:30)

• Topics:
  • Overview of Traditional Own Resources (TOR)
  • Obligations of EU Member States regarding TOR
  • Role of OLAF in fraud prevention
• Speakers:
  • Hervé Jouanjean, Cassidy Levy Kent (Europe) (former Director General, European Commission DG Budget)
  • Yves Melin, Partner, Cassidy Levy Kent (Europe)

Coffee Break: 10:30 – 11:00

3. The Enforcement of Customs Laws in Practice (11:00 – 12:30)

• Topics:
  • Enforcement approaches in EU Member States
  • Procedures for investigating customs violations
  • Civil vs. criminal customs enforcement
  • Recovery of customs debts and penalties
• Speakers:
  • Customs authorities of the member states
  • Moderator: Pr. Lothar Harings (Founding Partner, Cattwyk, Hamburg)

Lunch Break: 12:30 – 14:00

4. Current Challenges and Areas for Improvement in Customs Law Enforcement (14:00 – 15:30)

• Topics:
  • Challenges in customs enforcement today
  • Potential legal reforms to enhance compliance and combat fraud
• Speakers:
  • Institutions
  • Moderator: Prof. Vanessa Franssen

Coffee Break: 15:30 – 16:00

5. Recap & Impact of Union Customs Code Reform on Border Controls (16:00 – 17:00)

• Topics:
  • Review of best practices and challenges
  • The role of Union Customs Code reform in addressing enforcement issues
• Speakers:
  • Institutions
  • Moderator: Yves Melin, Partner, Cassidy Levy Kent (Europe)

6. Closing Remarks (17:00 – 17:15) 

 We look forward to your participation in this important discussion on the future of customs enforcement in the EU.

 Please confirm your attendance using this link.