From July 8 to 11, representatives of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine held a series of working meetings with experts from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The discussions focused on Ukraine’s strategic initiatives in international taxation, harmonization of legislation with EU tax standards, preparations for OECD accession and further adaptation of tax policy.
The delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Finance Svitlana Vorobei. The team included heads of the ministry’s Tax Policy and International Taxation Departments, as well as representatives of the Reform Support Team.
The meetings were opened by Ben Dickinson, Deputy Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, who emphasized the importance of the OECD Programme for Ukraine and assured continued support from the Organisation.
Svitlana Vorobei stressed that the implementation of BEPS standards in Ukraine had already become usual for both business and the state. She noted that transparency and compliance with international standards were essential for business development not only in Ukraine but also in Europe. Significant progress has been achieved thanks to the support and expertise provided by the OECD.
During the meetings, the following key areas of cooperation were discussed:
– Steps for Ukraine to join OECD legal instruments in the field of taxation;
– Application of the OECD Model Tax Convention in reviewing double taxation avoidance agreements;
– Implementation of BEPS standards and the EU Council Directive on anti-tax avoidance (ATAD);
– Development of tax information exchange standards promoted by the Global Forum.
Special attention was given to methodological support for assessing the effectiveness of tax incentives and measures within the BEPS Action Plan. Svitlana Vorobei emphasized that developing such a tool together with the IMF would help evaluate the appropriateness of tax incentives and support informed decision-making.
The OECD will provide further support to Ukraine under the leadership of Senior Tax Economist Bert Brys, with the participation of experts from the IMF technical mission.
The meetings were moderated by OECD Senior Advisor Tomas Balco, who also acted as an expert on BEPS, the two-pillar solution and transfer pricing. Leading OECD experts in international taxation, information exchange and administration provided practical recommendations.
In parallel, the delegation participated in the Forum on Tax Administration regarding mutual agreement procedures and held a meeting with Erik Vassnes, Economic Adviser to the Permanent Delegation of Norway to the OECD, representing one of Ukraine’s largest donors in the OECD. Erik Vassnes emphasized that an effective tax system is key to Ukraine’s economic recovery.
Svitlana Vorobei thanked Norwegian partners, OECD and IMF experts for their support and noted: “It is important to know that we are not alone and that you want to see Ukraine as part of the international community.” (Government portal)