Zagreb offers a free site for the new European Customs Agency

Zagreb is pitching itself as the no-nonsense, low-cost EU Customs Agency base while flexing safety, location perks, and a government-covered bill.

Zagreb bid basics

• Zagreb is proposed as the European Customs Agency headquarters candidate.
• Pitched as ultra-safe with serious logistics reach.
• Leaning hard on transport corridors and border access.
• Framed as a practical EU-wide operational play.

Who sold the pitch

• Davor Božinović outlined security, geography, and cost angles.
• Argued for the multilingual training potential.
• Pointed out zero existing EU agencies in Croatia.
• Claimed the move fixes geographic imbalance.

Money and the building

• Mario Demirović broke down the Novi Zagreb site offer.
• Located at Radoslava Cimermana 88 with five floors.
• All lease and operating costs are covered by the government.
• On-site apartments set up for 45 officials.

Rivals in the race

• Bucharest entered the contest for Romania.
• Liege represented Belgium in the first round.
• Lille showed up for France.
• Malaga carried Spain’s bid.

Decision mechanics and scale

• European Parliament shares final decision power.
• Member States control the outcome through co-decision.
• The European Customs Agency plans about 250 staff.
• Operations are expected to start in 2028.