Dear Tony,

thanks a lot for the invitation.

I will attend at least online. I`ll check if I can make it to Brussels. This is depending on the train-schedule.

Seeing forward to see you soon!

Annette

I certainly will attend, probably online, as to physically attend will mean at least one night in Brussels plus flight costs on normal scheduled airlines, as none of the low-cost airlines operate that route out of Manchester (unless anyone knows better).

Dear Colleagues

I have great pleasure in inviting you to a meeting of all members of CKI/CKC, in person and online, to take place in Brussels on Thursday 8th February, starting at 11:00 Brussels time.  Venue details will be sent to attendees later.

This will be an opportunity to meet your CKC colleagues in person, to plan the activities of CKI/CKC in 2024, and to promote topics/projects of interest to you.  If you can attend, either in person or online, please let us know at community@customsknolwedgeinstitute.org if possible by 15.01.2023.

The outline agenda is below, and please feel free to contribute other topics that you feel should be discussed.  The venue will be notified later.

Draft Agenda (all items are for discussion and decision)

1.  CKC is a members’ organisation – discussion

The activities of the members drive the growth of CKC.  All the members are encouraged to undertake in the name of CKC activities that are in line with CKC purpose – networking, projects and knowledge sharing.  The members are also expected to play an active role in the design and development of the organisation – proposing new initiatives and directions – whether individually or as a result of discussion within working groups.

      2. Working groups/ committees

Groups of members of similar background/interests can build a stronger and more diverse community by working on projects (e.g. EU reform, BTOM), by inviting new members, and by providing new members with a welcoming reception.

        3.  CKC forum

Should be developed as an effective knowledge exchange tool with the central ‘knowledge matchmaking’ element.

        4.  EU certification

Brokers, consultants and other Customs professionals should have an objective proof of competence that is recognised throughout the EU.  What form should this have, should it be administered by the Commission or the EU Customs Authority, what role can CKC play?

        5.  Levy.

Like any members’ organisation, CKC has certain costs from time to time, notably the cost of enhancing its web presence and Forum facilities.  Normal subscriptions are not sufficient for this in many cases.  Should we raise a small levy on members to meet these costs, and how would that be organised?

        6.  Any Other Business

We invite you to propose other issues/topics for discussion.

I look forward to meeting you in Brussels!

Tony Buckley