EU4PFM Steering Committee of Component 5 reviews progress on external audit and parliamentary oversight reforms

Kyiv, 3 February 2026, the second Steering Committee meeting of EU4PFM Component 5 “External Audit and Parliamentary Oversight” took place at the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine, bringing together leadership of the Accounting Chamber, representatives of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, the Secretariat of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Budget  and EU4PFM to review progress achieved and discuss priorities for the next phase of reforms.

Opening the meeting, Olha Pishchanska, Chairwoman of the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine, emphasised the growing institutional role of the Accounting Chamber in strengthening public accountability. She noted that the coming year will be particularly intensive, requiring further development of state auditors and continued investment in professional capacity. Ms. Pishchanska underlined the importance of the systematic implementation of international audit standards, closer cooperation with Parliament, and the establishment of the institute of state auditors, as well as the expanding practice of audits of consolidated financial statements, to ensure that audit results translate into effective oversight and tangible policy improvements.

The Steering Committee reviewed the EU4PFM Component 5 progress covering April–December 2025, presented by Inguna Sudraba, EU4PFM Component 5 Team Leader. The discussion focused on the transition from pilot initiatives to full-scale, ISSAI-based audit delivery across financial, compliance, and performance audits, as well as the expansion of audits in complex and high-risk areas.

Participants also noted significant progress in embedding quality management in line with ISSAI 140, strengthening strategic planning and human resource management within the Accounting Chamber. Particular attention was paid to the increasing use of audit results by the Verkhovna Rada and the growing visibility of audit findings, which contribute to enhanced transparency and public trust.

“This reporting period marks a clear consolidation phase for Component 5. The focus has shifted from testing approaches to embedding ISSAI-based methodologies, quality management, and planning systems into everyday audit practice. What matters now is that audits, management processes, and parliamentary engagement function as one accountability chain, delivering results that are credible, usable, and sustainable,” said Inguna Sudraba, EU4PFM Component 5 Team Leader.

Henrik Huitfeldt, Head of Sector for Public Finance, Business Support and Social Policies at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, noted the importance of continuing close cooperation with the Accounting Chamber in the same format and with the same level of intensity. He welcomed the progress achieved in recent years, particularly through on-the-job training, which enables auditors to draw on international experience and apply it directly in their work. He also highlighted the transition towards more systemic audits, including audits of consolidated financial statements, as a key step in the project’s gradual development. In addition, he underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation with Parliament in order to enhance the visibility and impact of the Accounting Chamber’s work.

The agenda also included an exchange on cooperation between the Accounting Chamber and other donors, as well as the presentation of plans for the next reporting period. The meeting concluded with final remarks from Olha Pishchanska and representatives of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, reaffirming continued joint commitment to strengthening external audit and parliamentary oversight as key pillars of sound public financial management.