ACCA is actively shaping EU policy on issues that matter — skills, mobility, and resilience. Over the summer, ACCA met with European Commission’s officials to contribute to the EU Union of Skills agenda, including the draft EU Talent Pool Regulation, which recognises accountants and auditors among the 42 shortage professions across the EU. We also provided input into the EU Visa Strategy consultation (see below), advocating for improved access for non-EU ACCA-qualified professionals. 

In parallel, ACCA engaged with EU stakeholders in Brussels and Kyiv to support the Ukraine Facility instrument, showcasing our work with the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance, universities, and members — including the Ukrainian translation of the CSRD. These efforts reflect ACCA’s commitment to supporting professional mobility, rebuilding capacity, and ensuring the accountancy profession continues to drive sustainable growth across Europe and beyond. 

ACCA is preparing its response to EFRAG’s public consultation on the revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), open until 29 September. The updated drafts reflect the EU’s drive to reduce reporting burdens — cutting mandatory datapoints by 57% and total disclosures by 68%. Final advice will be delivered to the European Commission by 30 November, alongside a cost-benefit analysis and field testing. 

Following the European Commission’s adoption of the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standards for SMEs (VSME), ACCA continues to provide practical guidance to support smaller businesses. In a recent article in AB Magazine, we highlighted insights from Patrick de Cambourg, Chair of EFRAG’s Sustainability Reporting Board (SRB), who shared expert perspectives on driving uptake and enabling SMEs to engage meaningfully with sustainability reporting. 

ACCA is contributing to the European Commission’s consultation on a future 28th regime — an ambitious plan to create a single, harmonised rulebook for companies operating across the EU. Covering corporate, tax, labour, and insolvency law, the initiative aims to simplify cross-border business and unlock investment and innovation. Launch expected in early 2026. 

ACCA is responding to the European Commission’s call for evidence on the upcoming EU Visa policy strategy, set for release in late 2025. With global expertise in talent mobility, ACCA advocates for a smarter, more inclusive framework that empowers students and supports its members across borders. 

This November 2025 (date tbc), ACCA will host a high-level conference on the margins of Denmark’s EU Council Presidency, bringing together EU and Danish leaders to address the talent shortage in accountancy. The event will focus on strategic investment in skills and training to empower accountants in driving Europe’s green and digital transitions, supporting SMEs, and boosting competitiveness. Key outputs will include a white paper with 10 actionable recommendations and a podcast or video summary to inform EU policy and professional practice. These outputs will help inform EU policy-makers and stakeholders, ensuring the accountancy profession remains a cornerstone of Europe’s competitive and values-driven economy. Save the date – details coming soon. 

This October, ACCA colleagues will join fellow professional bodies from across Europe at Accountancy Europe’s member engagement meeting in Brussels. As part of this influential network representing over 1 million accountants, we’ll contribute to key EU initiatives – including the Omnibus I Package on sustainable finance, anti-money laundering, tax, and more. It’s a valuable opportunity to collaborate, share insights, and help shape the future of the profession across Europe.