ACCA welcomes the opportunity to comment on the EC’s public consultation on a new 28th regime. ACCA supports the concept, including alignment initiatives that make it easier for small businesses to grow and enter new markets. Our overarching message is that regulation remains proportionate and limited to what is necessary. With respect to the proposals presented, ACCA’s preference is to first consider updates to existing processes, where possible. For a 28th regime to meet its desired objectives, the framework must ultimately instil confidence.

For the green and digital transitions to be delivered successfully, ACCA continues to reiterate the need for investment in skills development and training. This is reflected in ACCA’s 2025 Global Talent Trends research, which surveyed 10,000 professional accountants from 175 countries. In what shows the attraction and retention of talent problem, almost 50% of respondents in Europe expect their next career move to be away from their current organisation. Of that figure, close to two-thirds want to move within the next two years. Alongside responses to individual survey questions, ACCA makes the following recommendations:

• Support SMEs and finance professionals in acquiring necessary skills and knowledge to meet Europe’s green and digital transitions.
• Reduce administrative burdens imposed by EU member states on training and mutual recognition of qualifications.
• Promote cross border recognition of qualifications through the dissemination of guidance and best practice examples.
• To avoid introducing further regulatory burden, a 28th regime must complement initiatives already in motion, including the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy.

To read our comments in full, please download the consultation response document found on this page.