EU4PFM and the State Tax Service discussed priorities for 2026–2027

The EU4PFM Programme Key International Expert Paulius Majauskas held a meeting with Lesya Karnaukh, Acting Head of the State Tax Service of Ukraine (STS) and Nataliia Kalenichenko, Deputy Head of the STS for Digital Development, Digital Transformation and Digitalisation, and Serhii Lyseiuk, Deputy Head of the STS to discuss priorities for cooperation in 2026–2027. The meeting focused on aligning Ukraine’s tax system with EU standards, strengthening institutional capacity, and advancing digital transformation.

During the discussion, EU4PFM presented the Programme’s priorities for further cooperation. These include continuing approximation of Ukrainian tax legislation to the EU acquis in both direct and indirect taxation and administrative cooperation; further development of a fair, efficient, and sustainable tax system; and the strengthening of the institutional and operational capacity of the STS through process reengineering, staff training, and continued digitalisation.

More closely, parties reviewed the next steps in legislative alignment, including support for transposing EU Directives on VAT, Excise, ATAD, and administrative cooperation (DAC). EU4PFM will continue to assist in the design and future implementation of EU-compatible IT systems such as CCN/CSI, VIES/ViDA, CESOP, and EMCS, which are crucial for Ukraine’s eventual integration into the EU’s tax information exchange environment.

“Ukraine’s progress in aligning its tax system with the EU acquis and competence building is considerable. With this regard, EU4PFM and the STS partnership has proven both productive and strategic,” said Pauilius Majauskas. “In the coming years, our joint efforts will focus on ensuring that this alignment extends beyond legislation – towards fully EU-compatible processes and IT-solutions”.

Discussions also focused on strengthening and intensifying communication – from building an open and trust-based dialogue with taxpayers, to reshaping the public image of tax officers and effectively communicating the goals and benefits of modern approach in tax administration, such as E-audit.

Both sides underlined their shared goal to ensure Ukraine’s is ready for EU membership in the field of taxation and reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between EU4PFM and the STS in promoting a transparent, and service-oriented tax administration.