Ukrainian Delegation Explores Development Cooperation and IPSAS on Day 2 of EU4PFM Study Visit

The second day of the study visit began at the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). Malin Perhult, Head of the Ukraine Unit, welcomed the Ukrainian delegation and EU4PFM Team. Both sides highlighted Sweden’s support for Ukraine and the importance of continued dialogue.

Malin Perhult explained how the Swedish Government and SIDA have significantly stepped up their engagement with Ukraine in recent years. She emphasised that support for Ukraine’s reconstruction and reform cooperation has become a top priority for Sweden, reflected in both the scale of financial assistance and the strategic focus areas presented. Her introduction provided a clear understanding of Sweden’s long term commitment and the central role that SIDA plays in coordinating and delivering development assistance.

Pierre Vesterlund, SIDA’s Accounting Officer, presented the agency’s internal accounting system. He explained how accounts are organised, financial data processed, and reports submitted to the Swedish National Financial Management Authority through dedicated IT-based reporting channels. The session sparked a practical exchange with Ukrainian specialists on daily financial management and governance practices.

In the afternoon, the delegation returned to ESV for a session on International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) led by Senior Advisers Ulrica Sandstedt and Tina Sigonius. They outlined Sweden’s journey toward aligning its public accounting with international standards, including ESV’s participation in international cooperation platforms. The session also referenced academic research on accounting for performance, evolving methods for public-sector financial statements, and emerging areas such as sustainability reporting.

The day ended with a peer-to-peer exchange on public sector accounting and IPSAS alignment, offering valuable lessons for Ukraine’s PFM and PSA reform journey.