Customs: action programme Customs 2007, 2003-2007

PURPOSE : to extend an action programme for customs in the Community (Customs 2007). COMMUNITY MEASURE : Decision 253/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council adopting an action programme for customs in the Community (Customs 2007). CONTENT : this Decision establishes a multiannual Community action programme (Customs 2007) from the period 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2007 to support and complement the action undertaken by Member States to guarantee the effective functioning of the internal market in the customs field. In the framework of the management of the customs union, the objectives of the programme shall be to ensure that Member States' customs administrations: - carry out coordinated action to ensure that customs activity matches the needs of the Community's internal market through implementing the strategy set out in the aforementioned Commission communication and Council resolution on a strategy for the customs union; - interact and perform their duties as efficiently as though they were one administration and achieve equivalent results at every point of the Community customs territory; - meet the demands placed on them by globalisation and increasing volumes of trade and contribute towards strengthening the competitive environment of the European Union; - provide the necessary protection of the financial interests of the European Union and provide a secure and safe environment for its citizens; - take the necessary steps to prepare for enlargement and to support the integration of new Member States. The programmes tools shall include information exchange, management and project groups, benchmarking, exchange of officials and the setting up of workshops. The overall cost of the programme over the following five year period is set at EUR 133 million. This Decision shall apply from 01/01/2003.�