Strong Start in Stockholm: EU4PFM Study Visit on Public Sector Accounting Begins

EU4PFM launched its study visit to Sweden with meetings at the Swedish National Financial Management Authority (ESV). Deputy Director General Bob Pernodd and Head of Unit Lena Malmqvist welcomed the delegation from the Accounting Methodology and Auditing Regulatory Support Department of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. They expressed appreciation for the Ukrainian delegation’s work in strengthening public finance management (PFM) during challenging times and highlighted Sweden’s support for Ukraine and its reform efforts. 

Manfred van Kesteren, EU4PFM International Expert on PIFC and coordinator of the Project’s public sector accounting (PSA) activities, thanked the Swedish Ministry of Finance and ESV for hosting the visit and preparing a comprehensive programme on PFM and PSA. 

The Swedish Ministry of Finance opened the morning session with an overview of Sweden’s principles of openness and clarity in government finances. Officials described the country’s PFM legislative and regulatory structure, the division of responsibilities across different layers of government, and key budget concepts such as creating fiscal space and strengthening medium-term planning. They also explained how public sector accounting fits into Sweden’s public finance system. A look back at the crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s showed how periods of pressure can accelerate reforms, a point that resonated strongly with the Ukrainian delegation given the current context in Ukraine. 

In the afternoon, ESV specialists led a session on broader central government reforms. It covered digitalisation, results-oriented governance and the delegation of responsibilities between ministries, agencies and other public bodies. The speakers covered both budgetary and operational delegation, as well as the aligned accountability arrangements required for effective management. They also described Sweden’s experience with consolidating government agencies to improve financial and performance reporting. The Ukrainian delegation actively discussed similarities with Ukraine’s ongoing PFM and PSA development.

The day ended with a session on Sweden’s central government accounting practices, including methodologies, implementation arrangements and alignment with international standards.

The first day set a strong and professional base for the visit with open discussions and valuable peer learning.

Details:

Swedish National Financial Management Authority (ESV) – an agency under the Swedish Ministry of Finance responsible for government financial management, accounting regulations, and broader PFM development.