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In the first half of 2016, the Netherlands, one of the six founding members of the EU, will hold the EU Presidency for the twelfth time. The Dutch Presidency work programme focuses on four key areas: migration and international security; sound finances and a robust Eurozone; Europe as an innovator and job creator; and forward-looking climate and energy policy. These key areas entail a series of initiatives which are directly relevant for ACCA and its members.
Helen Brand OBE, ACCA’s Chief Executive says: 'ACCA wholeheartedly supports the motto of the Dutch Presidency, which is promoting economic growth and connecting with civil society. We also believe in business-minded, pragmatic approaches, focussing on concrete initiatives and encouraging better regulation.' [...]
ACCA also welcomes the progress made on the digital single market.
Helen Brand explains: 'The roles of accounting and finance professionals are continually evolving, and much of this is fueled by the digital revolution, the SoMoClo(social, mobile, and cloud) and other emerging technologies. As the experts in extracting value from data, accountants also need to be at the heart of discussions on cyber security, data management and protection, data governance and data lifecycle.'
The Dutch Presidency’s programme is also strong on foreign affairs and International trade. Helen Brand adds: 'As a global body, ACCA supports its 178,000 members and 455,000 students in 181 countries; we will therefore be closely following negotiations with the US on TTIP, and also discussions with South American and ASEAN countries.
Related press release: Dutch Presidency priorities discussed in committee