ATHENS – The Third High-Level Conference of Customs Directors General of the Western Balkans and EU Member States convened today in Athens, marking a major shift from political endorsement of Green Lanes to their broad, operational integration with the EU Single Market. Jointly organised by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue of the Hellenic Republic, the CEFTA Secretariat through the SEED+ Action, and the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community, the event highlighted Green and Blue Lanes, powered by SEED+, as a concrete step towards smoother trade and closer economic integration between the Western Balkans and the EU.
The Governor of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR), Mr. George Pitsilis, stated: “The 3rd High-Level Conference of Customs Directors General of the Western Balkans and EU Member States underlines the strategic importance of customs cooperation for regional stability, economic resilience, and the European perspective of the Western Balkans. In today’s environment, customs administrations are not only border authorities; they are key institutions for protecting public revenues, facilitating legitimate trade, strengthening supply-chain security, and supporting convergence with and within the European Union.
For Greece and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue, this cooperation is both a responsibility and a strategic priority. Through initiatives such as Green Lanes, pre-arrival information exchange, interoperable systems, and alignment with EU standards, we are building practical trust and creating the conditions for a more connected and secure customs environment. IAPR will continue to support this shared effort through digital modernization, technical cooperation, and active regional engagement, contributing to a stronger, more resilient, and more integrated European customs space.”
The Director General of Greek Customs and Excise, Mr. Dimitrios Bourikos noted the following: “The 3rd High-Level Conference of Customs Directors General of the Western Balkans and EU Member States marks an important milestone in raising awareness and enhancing customs cooperation among the participating administrations. During the panel discussions, we, the Heads of Customs, together with high-level officials from the EU, CEFTA, and the Transport Community, have successfully assessed progress, evaluated achievements, and identified the next steps in the process of integrating the Customs Administrations of the Western Balkans into the EU customs ecosystem.
To this effect, we have focused on promoting the interoperability of IT systems and the alignment of customs standards and procedures. We have confirmed that the Green Lanes initiative, combined with the regular exchange of information at border crossings, contributes to more effective customs controls while facilitating smoother and faster trade flows. These efforts strengthen customs resilience and support the gradual integration of the Western Balkans into the European Union, a prospect that inspires Customs Administrations as well as private stakeholders.”
Dr. Pranvera Kastrati, Director of the CEFTA Secretariat, emphasized the mature role of regional digital infrastructure: “Through the technical power of SEED+, and thanks to the commitment of customs administrations across the region, we have successfully transitioned the Green Lanes from an emergency pandemic tool into a successful permanent, data-driven corridor framework that bridges CEFTA and the EU Single Market. By accelerating digital transformation, interoperability, and automated data sharing, we are building a reliable ecosystem of trust that helps our compliant economic operators thrive while steadily aligning our customs administrations with strict European standards.”
Concluding the opening session, Mr. Matej Zakonjsek, Director of the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat, added that: “When Green Lanes first emerged during COVID, supply chains were under enormous pressure, borders became bottlenecks, and uncertainty affected everyone. Yet what happened afterwards was truly remarkable. Customs administrations cooperated closely, transport authorities coordinated efforts, information was shared, and trust was gradually built. Today, Green Lanes stand as one of the most tangible examples of practical regional cooperation in South East Europe.”
 The Athens Conference reaffirmed the shared commitment of CEFTA Parties, EU Member States, the European Commission and regional partners to strengthen customs cooperation as a key element of the EU enlargement process and gradual integration into the EU Single Market. Participants underlined the importance of interoperability, real-time data exchange, coordinated risk management, trusted trader partnerships and closer alignment with EU customs standards to ensure secure, resilient and predictable trade flows. The Conference also confirmed strong support for the further implementation of Green and Blue Lanes, supported through SEED+, as practical tools for enhancing connectivity, reducing barriers and advancing operational cooperation between the Western Balkans and the EU.
To access the Conference Final Statement, please click here.
