On May 17, 2023, the European Commission presented a legislative package for the reform of the European Customs Union.

Within this package, and for the purpose of improving the governance of the Customs Union, the creation of a European Customs Authority (EUCA) is planned, which will act as the driving force and impetus for the reforms contemplated.

The EUCA headquarters will be determined by a vote of the co-legislators (European Council and Parliament) in accordance with a transparent and costed selection procedure based on a series of criteria set by a public call approved on October 16. These criteria are based on ensuring that the Customs authority can effectively exercise its functions, for which aspects such as the real estate supply to house the future agency, the city's digital connectivity and communications, the hotel supply, the city's business and educational ecosystem, etc., are taken into consideration.

In accordance with these elements, the Government of Spain, with the support of the Junta de Andalucía and the city of Malaga, submitted on November 27 the candidacy to host the headquarters of the EUCA, detailing all the advantages and circumstances that exist, and that allow participation in this selection process with reasonable guarantees of success.

In addition to Malaga, the following have submitted bids: Belgium (Liège), France (Lille), Croatia (Zagreb), Italy (Rome), the Netherlands (The Hague), Poland (Warsaw), Portugal (Porto) and Romania (Bucharest).