A delegation of the State Customs Service of Ukraine headed by Deputy Head Vladyslav Suvorov took part in the meeting of the heads of customs services of the World Customs Organization's European Region, which was held for the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and russia's attack on Ukraine.

The meeting was devoted to the modernization of the World Customs Organization, which, according to the requirements of the Euroregion, should include the definition of the WCO mission and vision, goals and decision-making procedures, review and justification of costs, and the framework for the work of the WCO regional structures. The participants also considered reports of the WMO Finance and Audit Committees, of which Ukraine is a member, the Regional Capacity Development Office and the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office.

At the suggestion of the Ukrainian side, the role of customs in conflict situations (Fragile border and Conflict-affected situations) was included as a separate item on the agenda of the regional meeting.

Vladyslav Suvorov informed about the sad experience that other European countries may need in the near future, in particular, regarding the relocation of personnel and server equipment, the introduction of exemptions from customs duties and certain non-tariff regulation measures, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of IT services and constant communication with the customs authorities of neighboring countries. This topic and Ukraine's position were supported by the countries of the European Union.