Study-visit to the European Parliament strengthening parliamentary oversight and accountability

The first day of the study visit to the European Parliament, organised by EU4PFM Component 5, brought together the members of the Budget Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine (ACU) Leadership to learn from EU experience in budgetary control and external audit.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr Niclas Herbst, Chair of the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT), who highlighted the importance of close cooperation with Ukraine in ensuring transparency, and accountability in public finance management.

The Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the EU budget, ensuring that funds are spent efficiently, lawfully, and in line with EU policy objectives. CONT also cooperates closely with the European Court of Auditors (ECA) to examine audit findings and to monitor how recommendations are implemented – a practice that offers valuable lessons for strengthening Ukraine’s own parliamentary oversight.

Ukrainian participants attended a CONT Committee meeting, observing how Members of the European Parliament oversee the execution of the EU budget and hold the European Commission accountable for the sound management of EU funds.

The programme also included an interactive session with the CONT Secretariat, where participants exchanged views on the Parliament’s internal procedures, cooperation with the European Court of Auditors, and mechanisms ensuring effective budgetary oversight.

The visit provided an opportunity to better understand how the EU institutional framework supports financial control and democratic accountability – experience that will contribute to strengthening Ukraine’s own parliamentary and audit functions.