Building trust through accountability: EU4PFM study-visit to the European Court of Auditors

The second day of the EU4PFM study visit took place at the European Court of Auditors (ECA) in Luxembourg – the EU institution responsible for auditing the Union’s finances and ensuring that EU funds are managed properly and deliver value for citizens.

The Ukrainian delegation, comprising members of the Budget Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine (ACU), was welcomed by Tony Murphy, President of the ECA, who emphasised the importance of transparent public audit and the role of supreme audit institutions in strengthening democracy and public trust.

The meetings offered participants a comprehensive overview of the ECA’s mandate, structure, and working methods, as well as its cooperation with the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT). ECA Members shared insights into the development of audit strategies, planning, quality control, and reporting cycles, demonstrating how these mechanisms ensure credibility and accountability within the EU’s financial management system.

Particular attention was given to engagement with stakeholders and reporting practices, including the ECA’s approach to communicating audit results and following up on recommendations. The discussions gave valuable lessons for enhancing the effectiveness and transparency of Ukraine’s own public audit system and parliamentary financial oversight.

The visit concluded with an exchange on the ECA’s relations with the European Parliament, highlighting how cooperation between external audit and parliamentary institutions strengthens democratic accountability — a model Ukraine is gradually embedding as part of its EU integration path.

The study visit was organised under EU4PFM Component 5 to promote stronger cooperation between Ukraine’s oversight institutions and their EU counterparts.