A major forum titled "Restoring Ukraine: EU Integration and Institutional Reforms" took place in Kyiv. The event served as a platform for dialogue between government representatives, the business community, and experts, who discussed key economic challenges during the war and the prospects for the country's accession to the European Union.
The forum was organized by the Ukrainian Business Council and the National Business Coalition of Small and Micro Business, with the support of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). RBC-Ukraine served as the media partner for the event.
Priorities: Defense vs. Incentives
The central theme of the discussions was the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to EU norms. Danylo Hetmantsev, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Taxation, and Customs Policy, stated that the implementation of European standards is inevitable. Specifically, this refers to the introduction of a new Customs Code and ATAD rules aimed at combating tax evasion.
However, the politician highlighted the harsh realities of wartime. Hetmantsev emphasized that the state currently lacks the financial capacity to introduce new tax incentives. The primary task remains financing the defense sector, which dictates the current fiscal policy.
Balancing Interests and New Rules of the Game
Deputy Minister of Finance Svitlana Vorobey noted that all legislative changes are being prepared in close cooperation with the business community and international partners. The goal of the reforms is twofold: to ensure compliance with EU requirements and to create equal conditions for all taxpayers.
Representatives of the business community emphasized the need to adapt European rules to the specifics of the Ukrainian reality. During two thematic panels dedicated to fiscal policy and institutional reforms, the following issues were addressed:
- Modernization of the "Excise" system;
- Combating the shadow economy;
- Regulation of international mail shipments;
- Development of industrial parks;
- Implementation of European tax standards.
Joint Work on the Future
As a result of the forum, an agreement was reached to create joint working groups to prepare amendments to the legislation. Participants concluded that the implementation of EU integration reforms should take place in the format of an open dialogue between the state and business. This approach will help ensure the decriminalization of the economy and the fulfillment of international obligations without creating additional risks for small and micro-businesses.
