Lille Metropole runs to host the European Union Customs Authority (EUCA)

On Monday 16 June, France has submitted Lille Metropole (MEL) as the host city for the future European Union Customs Authority (EUCA) — a choice that reflects the country’s European ambition, and Lille Metropole’s unique strategic assets.  

Europe’s Customs Union

In May 2023, the European Commission launched a major reform of the EU Customs Code to strengthen the role of customs in protecting the European  Union revenues and ensuring security, health, and prosperity of European citizens and businesses. This reform responds to new challenges, including  the rapid growth of online trade and the increasing complexity of noncustoms regulations.

Since its creation in 1968, the Union Customs System has operated without a dedicated authority overseeing Union-wide functions. To address this gap,  the reform includes the creation of the European Union Customs Authority (EUCA), tasked with coordinating operational cooperation between national  authorities, pooling technical expertise, and ensuring the efficient sharing of best practices. The EUCA will also manage the Data Hub, a centralised  platform replacing the 111 separate national IT infrastructures. 

It is within this context, under the authority of the President of the Republic, that France has proposed Lille Metropole as the host city, offering a strate  gic, connected, and operationally ready environment for Europe’s new customs hub.

Lille Metropole’s Strategic Location and Connectivity

Lille Metropole benefits from exceptional transport links. 35 minutes from Brussels, an hourfrom Paris and an hour and a half from London by high  speed train.  Lille Metropole is also close to four major international airports, offering unrivalled air connectivity with numerous direct connections to ma  jor European  capitals. Its location within easy reach of major European seaports (Dunkirk, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Antwerp), and its proximity to the  Channel Tunnel make it a strategic hub for intra- and extra-European trade.

High‑Quality Infrastructure Built for European Use

The Agora building, located next to Lille Flandres train station and Euralille business district, has been identified for the future headquarters of the EUCA. This building, available immediately combines cuttingedge sustainability standards (BREEAM Excellent, HQE, WELL), and offers 8,000 m² of flexible office space specifically designed to meet the Authority’s operational requirements.

A Digital and Innovation Ecosystem

Lille Metropole hosts one of the more advanced digital ecosystems in Europe : more than 100 specialised cybersecurity companies, major players such as OVHcloud and Thales. It is also home to the Hauts-de-France Lille Metropole Cyber Campus. 

A High‑Quality Living Environment 

Lille Metropole offers affordable housing compared to other European capitals, and a cost of living lower than Brussels or Paris. The Metropole provides multilingual education opportunities, notably at the European School Jacques Delors, which welcomes children from international families. Lille Metropole also offers a high quality of life, combining rich cultural heritage, a vibrant arts scene, renowned gastronomy, and numerous leisure opportunities for national and international residents. The city is also committed to sustainability, with extensive green spaces, pedestrianfriendly streets, around 900 km of cycle paths, and an efficient public transport network.

By selecting Lille Metropole as candidate for the seat of the European Union Customs Authority, France offers the European Union a territory that combines strategic connectivity, operational capacity, advanced digital infrastructure, and a high-quality living environment. With its customs heritage, infrastructure, human capital and European dimension, Lille Metropole stands as an ideal host, able to translate european ambition for customs modernisation into tangible results.

For more information, read the booklet : here