Ukraine and Lithuania enhance trade ties with digital customs agreement through EU4Digital programme
The collaboration, marking a significant step in digital customs integration, strengthens economic ties between Ukraine, Lithuania, and the EU and demonstrates the potential for digital solutions to enhance regional connectivity and trade.
Ukraine and Lithuania partner to enhance customs cooperation through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 25 October as part of the EU4Digital program. The MoU focuses on improving cross-border trade processes by streamlining customs procedures, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, speeding up processing times, and increasing transparency.
A key component of this partnership is connecting both countries’ Systematic Electronic Exchange of Data (SEED) nodes, which allows for secure and efficient electronic customs data exchange. While Ukraine has implemented SEED in previous collaborations with Romania and Moldova, Lithuania is now reactivating its SEED system after a pilot with Belarus.
The collaboration aims to facilitate trade and strengthen economic ties between Ukraine, Lithuania, and the EU, setting a new standard for digital customs integration. Through this MoU, Ukraine and Lithuania partner to create a pioneering digital customs link between two countries that do not share a common border.
Why does it matter?
By demonstrating the capacity of digital solutions to bridge geographical divides, this agreement sets a precedent for future regional customs partnerships. The initiative highlights the potential for increased connectivity, streamlined trade, and improved regional integration.