Palermo, February 25-26, 2025 – The SEED+ Action, in cooperation with the International Relations Office of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) and the Sicily Regional Directorate, organized a seminar for CEFTA customs risk management experts.

The seminar focused on finalizing the CEFTA Customs Risk Management Strategy for 2025-2028, integrating best practices at European and international levels. Emphasis was placed on leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and security in trade facilitation while ensuring that customs administrations align with EU standards and advance CEFTA’s integration with the European Union.

“Customs risk management plays a crucial role in trade facilitation. Our mission is to ensure that, with the available resources and tools, we support customs administrations in enhancing security, improving efficiency, and facilitating legitimate trade while minimising risks. Together, we can assess challenges more effectively and, most importantly, understand how to address them. This is precisely the purpose of the Strategy we are currently developing“, stated Danijela Gacevic, Acting Director of the CEFTA Secretariat.

“The customs integration of the Western Balkans is a key element in fostering stability and economic progress,” stated the Director of the International Relations Office, Minister Plenipotentiary Andrea Mazzella “ and ADM is committed to coordinating this process.”

As part of the program, participants visited the Palermo Customs Office, where they observed the practical use of scanner equipment and the chemical laboratory operated by ADM, gaining valuable insights into advanced customs control techniques and risk-based inspections.