In line with the agreed procedure, the Parliament and the Council first selected a shortlist of two top locations each on Wednesday morning. After that, the two institutions’ negotiating teams met to make a final decision on the new EU authority’s seat.

At the hearing organised at the European Parliament on 28 January, Lille stressed its strategic location and good connections, experience with handling considerable flows of goods, and the availability of a building in the near future. Additionally, it offered to cover the authority’s upkeep costs.

Quote

Parliament’s rapporteur for the file, Dirk Gotink (EPP, NL) said after the vote: “Today marks a milestone for the European Customs Union. In a joint decision, Parliament and Council have selected Lille, France, as the home of the new EU Customs Authority. It is the right choice. France is one of Europe’s leading customs nations; one in three parcels entering the EU passes through French territory. Lille’s strategic…