ACCA (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) welcomes the start of the mandate of Bulgaria at the helm of the Council of the EU. The global accountancy body notes Bulgaria’s priorities while acknowledging the significant challenges ahead, including Brexit negotiations.

The programme of the rotating presidency trio “Estonia-Bulgaria-Austria” is focusing on security, strengthening the external borders of the EU, economic growth and competitiveness.

Bulgaria, which started its mandate on 1January,  indicated its willingness to work towards a “secure” Europe, because the EU’s vulnerability has been exacerbated by the migration crisis and the terrorist acts over the past years. “Stability” and “solidarity” are also two key  theme in Bulgaria’s announced roadmap.

ACCA welcomes the focus of Bulgarian Presidency’s priorities and believes that its motto - “United We Stand Strong” – is particularly relevant in these turbulent times.

Helen Brand, OBE, ACCA’s Chief Executive said: “Bulgaria will also have to oversee the UK exit from the EU and supporting  the implementation of the conclusions of the European Council (Article 50) of December 2017 will be a key challenge.

ACCA is a global professional body, and as such, is convinced that the sooner there is a solid agreement on the nature and length of any transitional arrangement the better. We will continue to monitor developments closely and ensure that the interests of our members and the wider profession are duly considered by both the UK and the EU”.

ACCA particularly welcomes Bulgaria’s focus on digital economy and skills for the future.

Helen Brand explains: “ACCA, as a global qualification provider, is fully aware that digital technology is not only reshaping education, but indeed the global economy and the face of today’s workplace. This is why we agree that completing the EU digital single market and development of digital economy and skills is vital. Digital transformation is more than bits and bytes. We therefore encourage Bulgaria to be ambitious in its contribution towards an Action Plan for digital education, developing digital skills and digital literacy”.

ACCA also commends Bulgaria’s choice as a key priority to continue work on the European Commission package on “Modernising Education – Youth Initiative” and to progress on the New Skills Agenda for Europe.

Helen Brand stresses: “Like the Bulgarian Presidency, ACCA is a strong supporter of the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships. We look forward to successful negotiations on this in the coming months, as well on  key competences for lifelong learning. We also think that identifying the right skills for tomorrow’s workplace and a better planning and interaction of the policies in the area of education, training and employment, is an urgent priority that should be shared by all”.

Helen Brand concludes: “the Bulgarian Presidency takes up the helm at a challenging time; but it is encouraging that it appears ready to tackle the big issues facing the EU head-on. We wish the EU2018Bulgaria team the best of luck, and stand ready to offer our support”.

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Notes to Editors

About ACCA

Contact: Cecile Bonino, head of EU Affairs, cecile.bonino@accaglobal.com or +32 (0) 2 286 11 37

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants, offering business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.

ACCA supports its 200,000 members and 486,000 students in 180 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. ACCA works through a network of 101 offices and centres and more than 7,200 Approved Employers worldwide, who provide high standards of employee learning and development. Through its public interest remit, ACCA promotes appropriate regulation of accounting and conducts relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.

ACCA is currently introducing major innovations to its flagship qualification to ensure its members and future members continue to be the most valued, up to date and sought-after accountancy professionals globally.

Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. More information is here: www.accaglobal.com