The EU votes, Eurovision style, to pick a city to host its customs cops.
Nine European cities are vying to win a contest on Wednesday to host the planned EU Customs Authority.
Staffed by around 250 well-paid EU officials, EUCA will coordinate oversight of imports of everything from sketchy plastic toys to non-compliant cosmetics and illegal drugs. Its new home base has been the target of intense lobbying, with cities from Portugal to Romania bidding.
Meeting in Brussels, representatives of national governments and EU lawmakers will separately select their two favorites, and then reveal them to each other. If there’s a single match, that candidate will be selected. If not, further rounds of joint voting will be held to pick the final winner.
If things go quickly, we could have a result by late morning. But if the contest is close, this could be an all-day affair. POLITICO trade reporter Koen Verhelst is reporting.