European Union under the pressure of creating a competitive public accounting system

Abstract

Creating a unified accounting area within the European Union is a priority. Situated between International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and accrual basis, European Public Sector Accounting Standards (EPSAS) make a challenge that national public accounting systems must cope. The aim of this study is to understand the changes promoted by the EU accounting reform with a focus on EPSAS references. Both research questions are based on determining the extent to which EPSAS will have as a benchmark the current public accounting systems in the EU member states. Grounded on a holistic approach, the results reveal the complexity of transition, by analysing the current position of the EU countries in terms of accounting system, as a start point for EPSAS application. The findings reveal that internalisation process is extremely complex. These results are useful for all stakeholders involved in elaborating and applying these standards at the European and national level.