Bridge to Europe: Ukraine discusses its Tax Euro-Integration path with the EU and Member States
Today, Ukrainian and European policymakers, business representatives and international experts gathered in Kyiv for the Forum “Bridge to Europe: Ukraine’s Tax Euro-Integration Path” to discuss progress, challenges and next steps in aligning Ukraine’s tax system with European Union standards organised under support of the EU-funded "Public Finance Management Support Programme” (EU4PFM) implemented by the Public Institution “Central Project Management Agency” in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine and the State Tax Service of Ukraine.
The Forum brought together senior representatives of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Government of Ukraine, the European Commission, EU Member States and the business community. The Forum opened with a high-level strategic panel of key decision-makers shaping Ukraine’s tax euro-integration agenda, including Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration; Svitlana Vorobei; Deputy Minister of Finance of Ukraine; Henrik Huitfeldt, Head of Section at the EU Delegation to Ukraine; and Kristupas Vaitiekūnas, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania. The discussion focused on political priorities, accession expectations and the sequencing of tax reforms.
Henrik Huitfeldt, Head of Section for Public Finance, Business Support, and Social Policies at the EU Delegation to Ukraine underlined the broader importance of tax reform for Ukraine’s European path:
“EU tax rules provide a stable and well-tested framework that protects honest taxpayers, ensures equal treatment, and ensures fair competition and equal conditions for all businesses. Ukraine’s progress on the National Revenue Strategy and preparations for EU accession demonstrate a clear understanding that accession is not only about legal alignment, but about effective implementation. Modern tax administrations should be seen as partners, not adversaries, and continued investment in digital solutions and alignment with EU standards will be key as Ukraine moves forward on its European path."
Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, noted that Ukraine is technically well-positioned to align its tax legislation with EU standards. He highlighted that the main challenges lie in implementation and in improving everyday interactions between businesses and the tax system. He also stressed the importance of supporting small and micro-enterprises, strengthening tax administration — particularly in the area of VAT — and promoting an open public discussion on tax reforms as part of Ukraine’s EU integration efforts.
The Forum also featured panels on tax policy and administration. Experts including Valeria Michelini, DG TAXUD, European Commission; Janusz Kizeniewicz, Deputy Minister of Finance, Lithuania; and Svitlana Vorobei, Deputy Minister of Finance talked about the challenges, sequencing, and roadmaps for aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU standards while ensuring a stable business environment.
In a panel on modernizing tax administration, speakers highlighted administrative reforms, capacity building, and digital solutions aimed at simplifying compliance and promoting trust between taxpayers and authorities.
From the business community, Svitlana Mykhailovska, Deputy Director of the European Business Association, stressed the importance of stability and early communication during the reform process, noting that Ukrainian and international companies support Ukraine’s European tax integration, but successful implementation depends on predictability and sufficient time for adaptation. Businesses need early visibility of future rules, clear timelines and ongoing dialogue with policymakers to adjust internal processes, IT systems and contractual arrangements without undermining competitiveness.
The Forum confirmed a strong convergence of views among Ukrainian authorities, European partners and the business community on the direction of Ukraine’s tax euro-integration. Participants agreed that successful reform requires more than legislative alignment with the EU acquis. It depends equally on effective implementation, institutional capacity and sustained cooperation between the state, business and international partners. Participants highlighted the shared objective of building a tax system that supports sustainable growth, competitiveness and Ukraine’s successful integration into the EU Single Market.
For additional information, please contact:
EU4PFM Programme: Iryna Nefed/i.nefed@eu4pfm.com.ua