Good afternoon.

We just concluded a valuable discussion with Finance Ministers on the Customs Union reform package, based on the solid report by the Polish Presidency, which showed broad support for this crucial initiative.

To protect our Single Market, we must modernise how we manage trade at our borders.

The world is changing rapidly, especially with the boom in e-commerce, and we need the right tools to keep pace.

This Customs Union reform aims to establish the EU Customs Authority and the Customs Data Hub.

These are not mere adjustments; they are game changers.

By fully integrating customs data, we will obtain a clear, unified overview of goods entering the EU.

This reform ensures that customs authorities function as a single entity.

With enhanced data analysis, smarter risk management, and stronger cooperation, we will protect the Single Market at the border more effectively than ever.

This also translates to simpler processes for businesses and customs, potentially saving up to 2 billion euros in operational costs annually, given the current over 110 systems with fragmented data.

I greatly appreciate the Polish Presidency for facilitating 33 meetings in the first half of 2025, which helped foster real consensus on the key points.

Timing is crucial. I am optimistic that co-legislators will finalize a deal by the end of next year.

Thank you.