From Ukraine to Belgium: a study visit to learn how tax collection works in practice

On 27 October, representatives of the State Tax Service of Ukraine (STS) began a three-day study visit to the Belgian Federal Public Service Finance in Brussels, organised with the support of EU4PFM.

Over the next three days, Ukrainian and Belgian colleagues will exchange experiences, discuss challenges they face in their daily work and look at approaches that could be useful for Ukraine’s tax administration.

The Belgian Federal Public Service Finance (FPS Finance) is responsible for tax collection, customs and excise duties, public finances and combating tax fraud. It also focuses on making tax administration more efficient, expanding digital services and helping taxpayers meet their obligations.

The visit opened with a warm welcome of Michael Roekaerts, Head of Coordination International Relations followed by intervention of EU4PFM and the State Tax Service representatives.

The first day focused on tax collection and compliance. Our Belgian colleagues introduced the structure and work of their tax administration and shared practical insights into managing tax payments, refunds and compensation.

Particular attention was given to working with taxpayers who experience financial difficulties. How are payment plans arranged? How can behavioural insights help encourage timely payments? And how can tax authorities reach out to taxpayers before problems become more serious?

Jurgita Domeikienė, EU4PFM Team Leader of Components 1, 3 and 4, commented:

“What makes these visits valuable is the chance to sit down with colleagues who deal with similar challenges every day and hear how they approach them. We are not looking for ready-made solutions to copy. We want our Ukrainian colleagues to see what works elsewhere, ask questions and take home ideas they can use in their own work. And I am very grateful to our Belgian partners for being so open in sharing their experience.”

The programme continues over the next two days with discussions on debt recovery, the use of data in tax administration, integrity and ethics, and cooperation between countries in recovering tax debts.