The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has urged the European Commission (EC) to streamline the recognition of accounting qualifications across the EU.

The accountancy body called on the EC to take action under the Skills Portability Initiative (SPI) to make it easier for professionals to work across member states.

The SPI is intended to ensure skills and qualifications are more readily recognised and put to use across EU member states in order to support labour mobility, respond to talent shortages and strengthen the bloc’s competitiveness.

However, the ACCA argues that national rules and regulations governing the accountancy profession in individual member states are a significant obstacle to those goals.

According to the organisation, these fragmented frameworks frequently impede the movement of qualified accountants within the EU and act as a brake on cross‑border careers.

At present, accountants who want to practise in another member state must show they understand local regulations and can act in the public interest.

The ACCA highlights that this requirement can be a deterrent, despite the EU’s commitment to the free movement of workers.

The body also stresses the profession’s importance in helping the EU deliver on climate and digital policy, pointing to accountants’ role in guiding businesses through new obligations linked to the Omnibus Directive Package and the AI Act.

The ACCA maintains that a qualification earned in any one EU country should be valid throughout the single market.

ACCA Educational Recognition head Katrina Smyth said: “ACCA backs the Commission’s Union of Skills strategy.

“To advance that strategy, professional qualifications from around the world should be able to access appropriate levels of recognition across all EU member states.

“The EC’s intent to advance harmonisation comes at a pivotal juncture, especially with the pipeline of qualified professionals inadequate to meet demand.”