The European Union and Ukraine launched Phase III of the EU Public Finance Management Support Programme for Ukraine (EU4PFM) on 11 June 2026, with a budget of €25 million running until January 2029. The new phase expands the implementation partnership to include Expertise France and Solidarity Fund PL alongside the lead consortium Central Project Management Agency, and will focus on aligning Ukraine's public finance systems with EU acquis across five areas: budget planning and internal financial control, public procurement, revenue collection, horizontal governance, and external audit and parliamentary oversight.
At the launch event, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová said the programme has been a key instrument in strengthening institutions essential for EU accession and resilience. Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka noted that as Ukraine approaches the opening of the first negotiation cluster, strong public institutions and transparent management of public resources are essential foundations of EU membership. Deputy Minister of Finance for European Integration Yuriy Draganchuk highlighted that the Ministry of Finance is responsible for four key negotiation chapters and has already received the highest assessments in the Enlargement Report for some of them.
Since its launch in 2018, EU4PFM has become a flagship EU programme supporting public finance management reforms in Ukraine. Achievements across previous phases include support for Ukraine's accession to the Convention on a Common Transit Procedure and implementation of the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS), introduction of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, development of a new Customs Code aligned with the Union Customs Code, implementation of international standards for automatic exchange of tax information, modernisation of tax and customs IT systems, development of digital budget planning tools, strengthening of public internal financial control, and support for public procurement and external audit reforms.
Phase III will place particular emphasis on progressive alignment with the EU acquis, strengthening institutional capacities, and developing digital and interoperable systems required for Ukraine's future participation in the EU Single Market. It will also continue supporting reforms that enhance transparency, accountability, service delivery, and the efficient use of public resources.
Impact on stakeholders
For the Government of Ukraine, the programme provides technical and financial support to meet EU accession benchmarks, particularly in the four negotiation chapters under the Ministry of Finance's responsibility. The €25 million budget, while modest compared to macro-financial assistance, targets institutional capacity building that is critical for the accession process.
For EU institutions and Member States, the expanded partnership with Expertise France and Solidarity Fund PL demonstrates a coordinated approach pooling diverse expertise. The programme supports the EU's strategic goal of integrating Ukraine into the Single Market by aligning its public finance systems with EU standards.
For Ukrainian businesses and citizens, improved customs procedures (NCTS, AEO), tax administration, and public procurement systems are expected to reduce administrative burdens, enhance transparency, and improve service delivery. The digital transformation of customs and tax administrations should facilitate trade and reduce corruption risks.
For implementing partners (CPMA, Expertise France, Solidarity Fund PL), the programme represents a continued or new operational engagement in Ukraine, with a clear mandate to accelerate reforms under wartime conditions.
Expected follow-up
The programme will run until January 2029, with implementation structured around the five priority areas. Progress will be monitored through regular reporting and alignment with Ukraine's EU accession roadmap, particularly as the country prepares for the opening of the first negotiation cluster.
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