On October 17, Kyiv played host to the conference “Ukraine on the Way to the EU,” which brought together government and business representatives to discuss the European integration processes currently underway in Ukraine. BDO in Ukraine was represented by Andrii Borenkov, Head of Advisory, and Olga Korniichenko, Business Development Executive.
At the conference, participants discussed Ukraine’s preparedness for EU accession negotiations and the business readiness for integration into the single European market. Government representatives underscored the significance of implementing reforms and meeting European standards, which will serve as the foundation for future negotiations. Business leaders concentrated on export prospects, adaptation to European regulations, and integration challenges. The discussion encompassed opportunities to expand cooperation with the EU countries and the necessity for coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors for successful integration.
See the key insights from the discussions below.
The event commenced with a video address by Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice President of the European Commission. Mr. Dombrovskis emphasized that Ukraine’s accession to the EU will be a priority for the next Commission. He highlighted that Ukraine’s integration into the EU single market is already underway through a comprehensive action plan that will drive economic growth and open new opportunities, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. The European Union and its member states will support Ukraine in deterring russian aggression, with the goal of ensuring a successful EU accession process.
Svitlana Mykhailovska, Deputy Director of the European Business Association, presented the results of a survey on the readiness of the Ukrainian business community for the European integration. The study revealed that 71% of companies perceive a positive impact from the EU integration process, while 8% of respondents indicated a negative impact. Svitlana highlighted that digital transformation and media, transport policy, and the agricultural sector are among the areas with the greatest progress.
However, there are also significant obstacles to overcome. EBA members identified low institutional capacity (78%), lack of expertise (71%), and lack of political will (62%) as the main factors hindering the process of European integration. To overcome these barriers, it is necessary to build institutional capacities and increase the level of knowledge and competencies in business. (A detailed report on the survey results is available here.)
Svitlana also highlighted the significance of business involvement in shaping Ukraine’s negotiating positions. She underscored the value of direct dialogue and collaboration between the government and the business community for an effective transition to EU standards and full integration into the European market.
As Katarina Mathernova, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, has noted, the strengthening of ties between Ukraine and the EU is one of the effects of russian aggression. While this has not compensated for the severity of the situation, it has contributed to faster integration. The EU has opened markets for Ukrainian services, accepted millions of refugees, and increased regulatory changes and integration processes, which have accelerated significantly over the past two years. She noted that 95% of Ukrainian companies plan to trade with the EU, which is a high figure and reflects growing awareness and determination.
Katarina Mathernova highlighted that the EU’s support for Ukraine encompasses not only financial assistance but also technical guidance and assistance in aligning with European standards, with the objective of enhancing trade relations with the EU. She also noted the notable acceleration of integration processes, particularly in view of the signing of the Association Agreement and the DCFTA (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area), which has facilitated enhanced access for Ukraine to the European market.
In her speech, Olena Shuliak, Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Organization of State Power, Local Self-Government, Regional Development and Urban Planning, discussed new directions of Ukrainian policy in the context of the European integration and green recovery. She highlighted the importance of a human-centered approach in shaping the state strategy.
“I am delighted that one of the core principles of our new legislative framework is the principle of human-centricity, as it ensures that individuals are at the center of all processes, particularly in a matter of such significance as the restoration of the country”
Furthermore, Olena Shuliak discussed the updating of state regional development strategies, which includes a review and clarification of regional priorities in line with the needs of local communities and potential investors. She announced that by February 2025, all regions will be required to update their strategies, which will form the basis for identifying specific steps and mechanisms for implementing these strategies in practice.
In the context of monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the strategies, Olena noted that Ukraine is integrating into European standards by using indicators of sustainable development, smart cities, digital and green transition. She added, “We expect that these indicators will become benchmarks for local governments and our business, so that each region can specifically measure and understand its progress within the framework of national strategies.”
In conclusion, Olena Shuliak presented Ukraine’s proactive approach to reforming its regional policy and implementing a circular economy strategy that addresses environmental protection and sustainable development. These innovations are designed to ensure balanced regional development and enhance environmental awareness among citizens.
Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade Representative of Ukraine, proceeded to elaborate on the ongoing integration processes with the European Union. He observed that the work in this area is structured and bureaucratic, which can sometimes appear tedious but is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition. Currently, Ukraine is actively establishing thematic working groups to oversee the implementation of European integration bills. This facilitates the realization of strategic objectives and is vital for engaging in international negotiations and aligning with EU standards.
Taras Kachka also identified the potential risks and challenges that emerge during negotiations with the EU, particularly the high demands on comprehensive analysis of legislation and implementation of norms. He emphasized that despite the support of the European Union and a favorable assessment of the draft laws, there may be shortcomings in practice that require attention and additional work. This calls for a more thorough and serious assessment of the compliance of Ukrainian legislation with EU requirements, especially in the early stages of bilateral meetings, which can contribute to successful integration and implementation of domestic reforms.
At the conclusion of the panel discussion on Ukraine’s preparedness for EU accession negotiations, Oleksandr Ilkov, Director General of the Government Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, emphasized the intricacy of Ukraine’s accession process. He noted that each EU member state evaluates Ukraine based on its achievements and fulfillment of criteria, which makes the negotiation process more complex due to the need to coordinate positions with each country separately. It is essential to negotiate exemptions and transitional periods to facilitate integration into the EU legal framework. These negotiations require clear coordination and cohesion at the national level to ensure the successful implementation of European standards.
The second part of the conference was dedicated to the topic of business readiness for European integration.
Olga Balytska, Co-Chair of the EBA Recovery Committee, underscored the necessity of integrating European values not only into legislation but also into the everyday lives of Ukrainians. She highlighted the value of the new European Bauhaus as a model for rebuilding Ukraine, emphasizing the use of environmentally friendly materials and technologies. Olga stated that this approach not only promotes energy efficiency and social inclusion, but also stimulates the integration of modern architectural and design solutions that facilitate better interaction and physical activity of people. She emphasized that the implementation of this approach requires a deep rethinking and active participation of all stakeholders. “It would be beneficial to incorporate the values of the European Union not only into our legislation, but also into the daily lives of all individuals, as Ursula von der Leyen proposed.”
In practice, the successful implementation of such ideas requires a comprehensive analysis of the projects in question, with a view to ensuring that they comply with the relevant investment standards.
Andrii Borenkov, Head of Advisory at BDO in Ukraine, highlighted the critical challenges in project implementation, particularly the lack of preparation and inadequate financial modeling. It is not uncommon for submitted projects to be merely concepts that fail to meet the rigorous standards of investors and donors. He highlighted that to successfully attract funding, it is essential to develop every aspect of the project in detail, from technical solutions to financial calculations, and to ensure the presentation design is of a high standard. This will significantly increase the confidence of potential investors in a project. This approach applies not only to businesses, but also to municipalities and nonprofit organizations.
Moreover, Andrii addressed the issue of fundraising, noting that many teams request full funding without their own contribution, which can erode investor confidence. He emphasized the importance of co-financing and a well-structured plan as key factors for success.
Anton Tyutyun, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of JSC “Oschadbank” and Chairman of the EBA Electronic Payments Committee, provided insights on the digitalization of the banking sector in Ukraine and its alignment with European standards. He highlighted that Ukraine has a notable advantage in the speed and efficiency of its digital services, which are far ahead of many European countries. However, there is still a challenge in adapting our systems to European standards, especially in terms of joining the European payment system SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area). Anton noted that this would require significant efforts on the part of the National Bank of Ukraine and other financial institutions, as well as several technical and legal issues. He emphasized that joining SEPA will open new opportunities for the Ukrainian financial sector and consumers, as it will “allow for reduced tariffs, increased transparency, and fair competition.”
Maksym Barabash, Managing Director of Philip Morris Ukraine, underscored the significance of transnational corporations in the context of Ukraine’s economic integration into the European Union. He observed that the experience of Eastern European countries that joined the EU in the early 2000s demonstrates the role of these corporations in mobilizing investment, creating jobs, and transferring knowledge. Maksym also emphasized the importance of a strategic approach to investment in the context of Ukraine’s accession to the EU, having noted that companies should compete for investment on equal terms with other EU member states.
Oleksandr Lazarev, Co-Chairman of the EBA Customs Committee, addressed the topic of Ukraine’s integration into the European Union in terms of customs legislation. He highlighted that since 2014, when Ukraine oriented itself towards Europe, there has been a notable shift towards aligning Ukrainian customs legislation with European standards. These changes are driven not only by the objective of simplifying procedures, but also by the commitment to ensuring compliance with European rules and regulations.
However, Oleksandr highlighted the challenges to reforms. Despite the efforts, there are obstacles, including the complexity of European customs procedures, which are not always perceived as simplifying the process. This causes fatigue and skepticism among businesses, who expect more tangible and faster results of integration processes.
The key point of the speech was the discussion of the need for a more comprehensive and effective adaptation to the EU, not only at the legislative level but also in the implementation of specific customs procedures. Oleksandr Lazarev highlighted that the objective of customs should be not only to generate revenue, but primarily to fulfill its core function: ensuring economic security, combating smuggling, and streamlining VAT administration. He stated that the Amendments to the Customs Code, signed by the President on October 17, should serve as the foundation for developing a system that aligns with both national interests and European requirements. The adopted amendments facilitate Ukraine’s transition towards the full application of the EU customs legislation, effectively integrating the core elements of the EU’s customs law (EU acquis) into Ukrainian law.
It is crucial to address the significant logistics challenges that accompany the integration of the Ukrainian market into the European one. Yulia Lazareva, Co-Chair of the EBA Logistics Committee, examined the logistics challenges Ukraine is facing in the context of the European integration. She observed that while the country’s logistics landscape is undergoing significant changes, the core issues remain infrastructure modernization and integrating the private sector into rail transportation. Yulia highlighted the importance of strategic investments in the construction of multimodal terminals to ensure more efficient transshipment and shorten logistics chains.
She highlighted the need to address current border issues, which are negatively impacting logistics efficiency. Priority should be given to responding swiftly to congestion at the borders and simplifying customs procedures, which can significantly reduce the cost and time of transporting goods. Moreover, the digitalization of transport processes in Ukraine has the potential to become a model for other countries, providing faster access to European markets and increasing the overall competitiveness of the national economy.
Dmytro Kashchuk, Chairman of the EBA Subsoil Use Committee, emphasized the significance of coordinated actions to reform regulatory processes. He highlighted the necessity of establishing robust legislative frameworks to safeguard and optimally utilize Ukraine’s subsoil resources in alignment with European integration. He noted that Ukrainian legislation should be aligned with EU directives, particularly in the areas of environmental protection and natural resource management, which includes critical minerals and mining waste. Furthermore, Dmytro underscored the need to introduce transparent rules for access to deposits, which will minimize corruption risks and attract investment through clear and predictable business conditions. This includes legislative initiatives aimed at open auctions and ensuring equal conditions for all market participants.
It is also crucial for the dairy industry to maintain high standards. Oleksandr Samokhvalov, CEO of Lustdorf, reviewed the challenges and achievements of the Ukrainian dairy industry, focusing on its integration into European markets. He highlighted that Lustdorf is a market leader in the Ukrainian dairy industry, established from scratch in 1997, and currently ranked among the top three nationally. Lustdorf supplies products to over 30 countries worldwide, thanks to its commitment to high-quality and safety standards that align with European legislation.
Oleksandr also highlighted the challenges currently facing the Ukrainian dairy industry, particularly the difficulties in accessing the EU market. Despite the liberalization of the Ukrainian market and the free import of European dairy products, Ukraine still faces quotas and other barriers to exports to the EU. These restrictions require adaptation and changes in local production to meet the strict European standards and open new opportunities for Ukrainian producers in the European market.
The discussions held during the conference showcased Ukraine’s commitment to pursuing continued integration, despite the prevailing challenges. To achieve comprehensive integration and capitalize on the potential of the European market, it is essential for the government and business sectors to collaborate with international partners through coordinated actions.
Professionals of BDO in Ukraine are available to assist your company in preparing for entry into the EU market and adapting business processes to align with European standards.
On October 17, Kyiv played host to the conference “Ukraine on the Way to the EU,” which brought together government and business representatives to discuss the European integration processes currently underway in Ukraine. BDO in Ukraine was represented by Andrii Borenkov, Head of Advisory, and Olga Korniichenko, Business Development Executive.
At the conference, participants discussed Ukraine’s preparedness for EU accession negotiations and the business readiness for integration into the single European market. Government representatives underscored the significance of implementing reforms and meeting European standards, which will serve as the foundation for future negotiations. Business leaders concentrated on export prospects, adaptation to European regulations, and integration challenges. The discussion encompassed opportunities to expand cooperation with the EU countries and the necessity for coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors for successful integration.
See the key insights from the discussions below.
The event commenced with a video address by Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice President of theEuropean Commission. Mr. Dombrovskis emphasized that Ukraine’s accession to the EU will be a priority for the next Commission. He highlighted that Ukraine’s integration into the EU single market is already underway through a comprehensive action plan that will drive economic growth and open new opportunities, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. The European Union and its member states will support Ukraine in deterring russian aggression, with the goal of ensuring a successful EU accession process.
Svitlana Mykhailovska, Deputy Director of the European Business Association, presented the results of a survey on the readiness of the Ukrainian business community for the European integration. The study revealed that 71% of companies perceive a positive impact from the EU integration process, while 8% of respondents indicated a negative impact. Svitlana highlighted that digital transformation and media, transport policy, and the agricultural sector are among the areas with the greatest progress.
However, there are also significant obstacles to overcome. EBA members identified low institutional capacity (78%), lack of expertise (71%), and lack of political will (62%) as the main factors hindering the process of European integration. To overcome these barriers, it is necessary to build institutional capacities and increase the level of knowledge and competencies in business. (A detailed report on the survey results is available here.)
Svitlana also highlighted the significance of business involvement in shaping Ukraine’s negotiating positions. She underscored the value of direct dialogue and collaboration between the government and the business community for an effective transition to EU standards and full integration into the European market.
As Katarina Mathernova, Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, has noted, the strengthening of ties between Ukraine and the EU is one of the effects of russian aggression. While this has not compensated for the severity of the situation, it has contributed to faster integration. The EU has opened markets for Ukrainian services, accepted millions of refugees, and increased regulatory changes and integration processes, which have accelerated significantly over the past two years. She noted that 95% of Ukrainian companies plan to trade with the EU, which is a high figure and reflects growing awareness and determination.
Katarina Mathernova highlighted that the EU’s support for Ukraine encompasses not only financial assistance but also technical guidance and assistance in aligning with European standards, with the objective of enhancing trade relations with the EU. She also noted the notable acceleration of integration processes, particularly in view of the signing of the Association Agreement and the DCFTA (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area), which has facilitated enhanced access for Ukraine to the European market.
“I am delighted that one of the core principles of our new legislative framework is the principle of human-centricity, as it ensures that individuals are at the center of all processes, particularly in a matter of such significance as the restoration of the country”
Furthermore, Olena Shuliak discussed the updating of state regional development strategies, which includes a review and clarification of regional priorities in line with the needs of local communities and potential investors. She announced that by February 2025, all regions will be required to update their strategies, which will form the basis for identifying specific steps and mechanisms for implementing these strategies in practice.
In the context of monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the strategies, Olena noted that Ukraine is integrating into European standards by using indicators of sustainable development, smart cities, digital and green transition. She added, “We expect that these indicators will become benchmarks for local governments and our business, so that each region can specifically measure and understand its progress within the framework of national strategies.”
In conclusion, Olena Shuliak presented Ukraine’s proactive approach to reforming its regional policy and implementing a circular economy strategy that addresses environmental protection and sustainable development. These innovations are designed to ensure balanced regional development and enhance environmental awareness among citizens.
Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade Representative of Ukraine, proceeded to elaborate on the ongoing integration processes with the European Union. He observed that the work in this area is structured and bureaucratic, which can sometimes appear tedious but is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition. Currently, Ukraine is actively establishing thematic working groups to oversee the implementation of European integration bills. This facilitates the realization of strategic objectives and is vital for engaging in international negotiations and aligning with EU standards.
Taras Kachka also identified the potential risks and challenges that emerge during negotiations with the EU, particularly the high demands on comprehensive analysis of legislation and implementation of norms. He emphasized that despite the support of the European Union and a favorable assessment of the draft laws, there may be shortcomings in practice that require attention and additional work. This calls for a more thorough and serious assessment of the compliance of Ukrainian legislation with EU requirements, especially in the early stages of bilateral meetings, which can contribute to successful integration and implementation of domestic reforms.
At the conclusion of the panel discussion on Ukraine’s preparedness for EU accession negotiations, Oleksandr Ilkov, Director General of theGovernment Office for Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, emphasized the intricacy of Ukraine’s accession process. He noted that each EU member state evaluates Ukraine based on its achievements and fulfillment of criteria, which makes the negotiation process more complex due to the need to coordinate positions with each country separately. It is essential to negotiate exemptions and transitional periods to facilitate integration into the EU legal framework. These negotiations require clear coordination and cohesion at the national level to ensure the successful implementation of European standards.
The second part of the conference was dedicated to the topic of business readiness for European integration.
Olga Balytska, Co-Chair of the EBA Recovery Committee, underscored the necessity of integrating European values not only into legislation but also into the everyday lives of Ukrainians. She highlighted the value of the new European Bauhaus as a model for rebuilding Ukraine, emphasizing the use of environmentally friendly materials and technologies. Olga stated that this approach not only promotes energy efficiency and social inclusion, but also stimulates the integration of modern architectural and design solutions that facilitate better interaction and physical activity of people. She emphasized that the implementation of this approach requires a deep rethinking and active participation of all stakeholders. “It would be beneficial to incorporate the values of the European Union not only into our legislation, but also into the daily lives of all individuals, as Ursula von der Leyen proposed.”
In practice, the successful implementation of such ideas requires a comprehensive analysis of the projects in question, with a view to ensuring that they comply with the relevant investment standards.
Andrii Borenkov, Head of Advisory at BDO in Ukraine, highlighted the critical challenges in project implementation, particularly the lack of preparation and inadequate financial modeling. It is not uncommon for submitted projects to be merely concepts that fail to meet the rigorous standards of investors and donors. He highlighted that to successfully attract funding, it is essential to develop every aspect of the project in detail, from technical solutions to financial calculations, and to ensure the presentation design is of a high standard. This will significantly increase the confidence of potential investors in a project. This approach applies not only to businesses, but also to municipalities and nonprofit organizations.
Moreover, Andrii addressed the issue of fundraising, noting that many teams request full funding without their own contribution, which can erode investor confidence. He emphasized the importance of co-financing and a well-structured plan as key factors for success.
Anton Tyutyun, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of JSC “Oschadbank” and Chairman of the EBA Electronic Payments Committee, provided insights on the digitalization of the banking sector in Ukraine and its alignment with European standards. He highlighted that Ukraine has a notable advantage in the speed and efficiency of its digital services, which are far ahead of many European countries. However, there is still a challenge in adapting our systems to European standards, especially in terms of joining the European payment system SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area). Anton noted that this would require significant efforts on the part of the National Bank of Ukraine and other financial institutions, as well as several technical and legal issues. He emphasized that joining SEPA will open new opportunities for the Ukrainian financial sector and consumers, as it will “allow for reduced tariffs, increased transparency, and fair competition.”
Maksym Barabash,Managing Director of Philip Morris Ukraine, underscored the significance of transnational corporations in the context of Ukraine’s economic integration into the European Union. He observed that the experience of Eastern European countries that joined the EU in the early 2000s demonstrates the role of these corporations in mobilizing investment, creating jobs, and transferring knowledge. Maksym also emphasized the importance of a strategic approach to investment in the context of Ukraine’s accession to the EU, having noted that companies should compete for investment on equal terms with other EU member states.
Oleksandr Lazarev, Co-Chairman of the EBA Customs Committee, addressed the topic of Ukraine’s integration into the European Union in terms of customs legislation. He highlighted that since 2014, when Ukraine oriented itself towards Europe, there has been a notable shift towards aligning Ukrainian customs legislation with European standards. These changes are driven not only by the objective of simplifying procedures, but also by the commitment to ensuring compliance with European rules and regulations.
However, Oleksandr highlighted the challenges to reforms. Despite the efforts, there are obstacles, including the complexity of European customs procedures, which are not always perceived as simplifying the process. This causes fatigue and skepticism among businesses, who expect more tangible and faster results of integration processes.
The key point of the speech was the discussion of the need for a more comprehensive and effective adaptation to the EU, not only at the legislative level but also in the implementation of specific customs procedures. Oleksandr Lazarev highlighted that the objective of customs should be not only to generate revenue, but primarily to fulfill its core function: ensuring economic security, combating smuggling, and streamlining VAT administration. He stated that the Amendments to the Customs Code, signed by the President on October 17, should serve as the foundation for developing a system that aligns with both national interests and European requirements. The adopted amendments facilitate Ukraine’s transition towards the full application of the EU customs legislation, effectively integrating the core elements of the EU’s customs law (EU acquis) into Ukrainian law.
It is crucial to address the significant logistics challenges that accompany the integration of the Ukrainian market into the European one. Yulia Lazareva, Co-Chair of the EBA Logistics Committee, examined the logistics challenges Ukraine is facing in the context of the European integration. She observed that while the country’s logistics landscape is undergoing significant changes, the core issues remain infrastructure modernization and integrating the private sector into rail transportation. Yulia highlighted the importance of strategic investments in the construction of multimodal terminals to ensure more efficient transshipment and shorten logistics chains.
She highlighted the need to address current border issues, which are negatively impacting logistics efficiency. Priority should be given to responding swiftly to congestion at the borders and simplifying customs procedures, which can significantly reduce the cost and time of transporting goods. Moreover, the digitalization of transport processes in Ukraine has the potential to become a model for other countries, providing faster access to European markets and increasing the overall competitiveness of the national economy.
Dmytro Kashchuk, Chairman of the EBA Subsoil Use Committee, emphasized the significance of coordinated actions to reform regulatory processes. He highlighted the necessity of establishing robust legislative frameworks to safeguard and optimally utilize Ukraine’s subsoil resources in alignment with European integration. He noted that Ukrainian legislation should be aligned with EU directives, particularly in the areas of environmental protection and natural resource management, which includes critical minerals and mining waste. Furthermore, Dmytro underscored the need to introduce transparent rules for access to deposits, which will minimize corruption risks and attract investment through clear and predictable business conditions. This includes legislative initiatives aimed at open auctions and ensuring equal conditions for all market participants.
It is also crucial for the dairy industry to maintain high standards. Oleksandr Samokhvalov, CEO of Lustdorf, reviewed the challenges and achievements of the Ukrainian dairy industry, focusing on its integration into European markets. He highlighted that Lustdorf is a market leader in the Ukrainian dairy industry, established from scratch in 1997, and currently ranked among the top three nationally. Lustdorf supplies products to over 30 countries worldwide, thanks to its commitment to high-quality and safety standards that align with European legislation.
Oleksandr also highlighted the challenges currently facing the Ukrainian dairy industry, particularly the difficulties in accessing the EU market. Despite the liberalization of the Ukrainian market and the free import of European dairy products, Ukraine still faces quotas and other barriers to exports to the EU. These restrictions require adaptation and changes in local production to meet the strict European standards and open new opportunities for Ukrainian producers in the European market.
The discussions held during the conference showcased Ukraine’s commitment to pursuing continued integration, despite the prevailing challenges. To achieve comprehensive integration and capitalize on the potential of the European market, it is essential for the government and business sectors to collaborate with international partners through coordinated actions.
Professionals of BDO in Ukraine are available to assist your company in preparing for entry into the EU market and adapting business processes to align with European standards.
This material is provided by a member company or partner organization of the European Business Association as part of an informational collaboration. The Association is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. The views, opinions, and recommendations expressed in this material are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the official position of the European Business Association.
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When you create a personal cabinet, we process your personal data in accordance with the EBA's Privacy Policy, which is set out below. Therefore, we need your consent to the processing of personal data and confirmation that you have read our Privacy Policy.
EBA Privacy Policy
European Business Association ("EBA") respects your data privacy. This Privacy Policy ("Policy") covers issues regarding the collection, use, disclosure, transfer and storing of your personal information.
Please make sure that you are familiar with our privacy practices and contact us if you have any questions.
1) Definitions
To ensure that you understand the issues of data processing, we will firstly explain the terms used in this Policy:
Personal data means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (in particular, data relating to you);
Data subject is any identified or identifiable natural person (in particular, you), whose personal data is processed by the controller responsible for the processing;
Processing is any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organization, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, depersonalization, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure or destruction;
Restriction of processing is the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting their processing in the future;
Controller is the natural or legal person, which alone or jointly with others determines the purposes of the processing of personal data, establishes composition of this data and procedures of its processing (in particular, EBA);
Processor is a natural or legal person, which processes personal data on behalf of the controller;
Third party is a natural or legal person other than the data subject, controller or processor to whom personal data is transferred by the controller or processor and who is authorized to process personal data;
Consentof the data subject is a voluntary expression of will of a natural person to grant permission to process his or her personal data in accordance with the declared purpose of its processing, expressed in a manner that allows making a conclusion about provision of consent;
IP address is a unique identifier used by certain electronic devices to identify and communicate with each other on the Internet.
2) What data do we collect?
When you communicate with us by any means of communication including, but not limited to e-mail, fax, phone, social networks, online application form, send us different files, CV’s, use a personal electronic cabinet on the EBA website, conclude agreements with us, or participate in events organized or co-organized by us, we may collect your personal data, including:
contact details (name, surname, date of birth, position, company, telephone, fax, e-mail address, links to personal pages in social networks, etc.);
Identity document (ID) data;
photos, video recordings, etc.
We may also collect data that contains information about the domain name or IP address, date and length of time spent by the Internet user on the EBA website. Such data is collected automatically when the Internet user visits the EBA website. In conjunction with other data, this information helps us determine the most attractive content for our visitors. In addition, such data helps us to detect any destabilization of our facilities.
The EBA may also receive personal data from third parties (e.g., partners) who are the controllers of the respective personal data. Such third parties shall ensure the legality of the respective transfers and, if necessary, obtain voluntary informed consent for the transfer from the data subjects. In some cases, the EBA may act as a data processor and process the received data in accordance with the provided instructions and exclusively for the purposes for which they were transferred to the EBA. If such an obligation is applicable, the EBA will notify the data subjects of receiving their personal data within a reasonable period.
3) Cookies policy
The EBA website uses cookies – small text files that are placed on your device for storing data and that can be read by the web server in the domain that hosted them. We use cookies for enabling you to sign-in, analyzing how our website performs, keeping track of activity on our website, collecting traffic data and fulfilling other legitimate purposes.
Most web browsers automatically use cookies, while allowing users to control the process by blocking or deleting them. Instructions for blocking or deleting cookies can be found in each browser's privacy settings or reference documentation.
4) How do we use your data?
The purposes of data processing by the EBA depend on the character of our relations with you:
If you are an employee of the EBA Member, our general purpose for collection and processing of your data is to enable your possibility to get access to the benefits that are related to membership in the EBA of your employer. Therefore, processing your personal data is conducted for such purposes:
sending you e-mails that contain information about news, events etc. that we think might interest you
preparing working bodies lists and meetings
responding to your requests, questions, and reacting to your concerns
conducting surveys and research as well as sharing their results with you
administering membership and collection of fees to the EBA
storing, updating, and analyzing data in corporate software
enabling you to use the EBA website and its features
administering your account with us, the EBA websites, including improvement of our Internet services (developing new features and offerings, etc.)
If you are a participant in the events organized (co-organized) by the EBA, we will collect and/or process your personal data for reaching the following purposes:
processing of your registration (that might include arranging your access to the venue, generating links enabling your connection to events held in online or semi-online format, etc.).
follow-up on your registration and any comments and complaints in this context
collection of fees (if applicable for the respective event)
providing you with additional materials that might be available for participants of particular events
storing, updating, and analyzing data in corporate software
If you are a representative of the EBA potential member, we collect and process your personal data for reaching the following purposes:
sending you e-mails that contain information about news, events etc. that we think might interest you
execution of procedures necessary for the completion of the membership acquiring process
storing, updating, and analyzing data in corporate software
responding to your requests, questions, and reacting to your concerns
If you are a representative of a company which is not an EBA Member but has access to some of the EBA benefits, we will collect and process your personal data to reach the following purposes:
enabling you to use the EBA website and its features
administering your account with us, the EBA websites, including improvement of our Internet services (developing new features and offerings, etc.)
storing, updating, and analyzing data in corporate software
sending you e-mails that contain information about news, events etc. that we think might interest you
responding to your requests, questions, and reacting to your concerns
collection of fees (if applicable)
If you are an employee or representative of a supplier with which the EBA has (or intends to have, or had in the past) contractual relations, we will collect and/or process your personal data for the purposes of performance of contractual relations (if they are ongoing) and fulfilment of our legal obligations (e.g., to store accounting documents during the period established by legislation). This might also involve storing, updating, and analyzing data in our corporate software.
If you are a candidate for employment in the EBA, we will collect and process your personal data for reaching the purposes of your possible employment in our organization and fulfilling our legal obligations if such are applicable. In relation to this purpose, your data might be stored, updated, and analyzed in our corporate software. Please, be aware that the candidates for employment in the EBA are not subject to automated individual decision-making.
It is important to mention that apart from the purposes listed above, we may also process your personal data to provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for criminal proceedings or if such processing is necessary for another legal obligation to which we are subject, in order to protect your vital interest as a data subject or the interest of another natural person or for the purpose of any other legitimate interest pursued by the EBA or a third party that does not violate your fundamental rights and freedoms as a data subject.
Legitimate interest means the interest of the EBA in terms of conducting its statutory activity. When we process your personal information for the purposes of our legitimate interests, we balance any potential impact on you and your rights. Our legitimate interests do not automatically override your interests.
We process personal data for particular legitimate purposes, which include but are not limited to:
communication with you;
sending you e-mails that contain information about news, events etc. that we think might interest you.
We also may collect data in a form that does not, on its own, permit direct association with any specific individual (non-personal data). We may collect, use, transfer, and disclose non-personal data for any purpose. If we do combine non-personal data with personal data, the combined data will be treated as personal data as long as it remains combined.
5) How long do we store your data?
We try to make it easy for you to keep your personal information accurate, complete, and up to date. We will retain your personal information for the period necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Policy. When assessing these periods, we carefully examine our necessity to collect personal information at all and if we establish such necessity, we only retain it for the period required to realize the purpose of collection (for instance, the term of your employment in EBA Member, etc.) unless a longer retention period is required by law.
We anticipate that the EBA Member will inform us if an employee leaves a company and that will give us an understanding that the data of the person can no longer be used for the purposes related to the membership in the EBA of his former employer.
6) With whom do we share your data?
We do not share your personal data with companies, organizations, or individuals outside of the EBA except in the following cases:
personal data of employees/representatives of the EBA Members, potential EBA members, companies which are not the EBA Members but have access to some of the EBA benefits, may be shared with postal services, mailing systems, EBA’s outsourcing accounting companies, restaurants, banks, payment systems, taxi services, journalists, security companies, cloud services, phone operators, public authorities to the extent of EBA’s statutory activity, with EBA Members or counterparties (for instance, delivery services)
personal data of participants of EBA events or participants of events in which EBA acts as co-organizer may be shared with pertinent public authorities, venues to ensure their free entrance and with speakers (moderators) of such events or with service providers for organizing video conferences, if the event is held in an online or semi-online format (for example, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, etc.) for ensuring the possibility to join a videoconference
personal data of EBA suppliers may be shared with EBA Members, accounting companies, banks, etc.
Only names, surnames, emails, photos and positions of participants of EBA events or participants of events in which the EBA acts as co-organizer, members of EBA governing bodies, and EBA Members’ employees may be published on the EBA website (websites).
The EBA publishes on its website the names, surnames, and photos of representatives of the EBA Members, who represent them in the EBA governing bodies (e.g., in the EBA Board), in the management of the EBA working bodies (industrial and open committees, temporary and permanent working groups, etc.) and the EBA regional offices (the regional offices’ coordination councils, if they are established).
7) How do we protect your personal data?
The EBA treats the security of your personal data very seriously. We protect your personal data by various means in order to maintain its confidentiality and integrity and prevent the unauthorized use or disclosure of your personal data and to protect your personal data from loss, misuse and unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration or destruction.
Firstly, the EBA has corporate procedures that define how employees should leave their working space when they leave the office (clear desk policy). Moreover, each EBA employee has a unique password in order to access the website’s back office as well as passwords to access the local database that also include necessity to undergo two-factor verification in order to obtain respective access.
Hosting providers and cloud service providers guarantee protection by means of encryption. Some types of data that are stored on cloud services may be restricted for a certain group of users. For instance, employees from one department cannot access data from other departments.
The premises with laptops and local servers are equipped with an alarm system and are under the security provided by the lessor of the premises where the EBA office is located. Access to such premises with laptops can be obtained only with passes to the location, which are unique for each EBA employee.
8) How can you control your personal data?
You have the right to access, rectify or have your personal data erased or restricted from processing or to object to the processing of your personal data. If processing is based on your consent, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
Information we collect may be transferred to, stored and processed in any country where one or more EBA Member or third party service provider are located or maintain their facilities. Third parties may be located outside Ukraine or the European Economic Area ("EEA"), so their processing of your personal data will involve a transfer of data outside Ukraine and the EEA, respectively.
In particular, we may share personal data of EBA Members’ employees with our mailing service provider – The Rocket Science Group LLC registered in the USA, in order to dispatch newsletters, invitations, offers, etc.
We also may share personal data with the operator of our cloud service – Microsoft Corporation registered in the USA, in order to provide the storage of information.
Data may also be transferred to Google LLC by the use of cookies by Google Analytics. In this case, Google LLC serves as the processor of such data.
Additionally, the data may be transferred to companies-providers of video conference services Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, Inc.), Microsoft Teams (Microsoft Corporation), and Google Meet (Google LLC), registered in the USA, to ensure the possibility of joining video conferences organized or co-organized by the EBA.
While such territories may not have the same standards of data protection as those within your home country, we will continue to protect the personal information we transfer in accordance with this Policy.
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