Accountancy Europe has responded to the joint consultation by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) on their proposed Strategy and Work Plan for 2028–2031. The response reflects input gathered from our members across Europe, highlighting a broad range of perspectives from different jurisdictions. In addition to the survey response, Accountancy Europe has also addressed a separate letter to the Chairs of the IAASB and IESBA, setting out several key observations.
We support a joint strategy consultation by the IAASB and IESBA, as coordination between the two Standard-Setting Boards (SSBs) is essential and should continue to be strengthened. However, our response also highlights growing concerns about the increasing complexity of standards and calls for a more focused approach to standard-setting. We emphasise the need to prioritise effective implementation and consistent application in practice, supported by practical guidance, rather than issuing new standards or adding further layers of detailed requirements.
We also raise concerns about the increasing volume and complexity of standards, which may affect usability, proportionality, and consistent application across jurisdictions. Accountancy Europe therefore encourages both Boards to prioritise post-implementation reviews to assess whether standards are achieving their intended objectives and remain fit for purpose. In this context, we also stress the importance of strengthening engagement with the profession, so that standard-setting is better informed by practical experience and reflects operational realities more effectively.
Furthermore, Accountancy Europe underlines the importance of maintaining a principles-based approach, particularly for the IESBA Code, and ensuring that standard-setting activities remain focused within the core mandates of the Boards.
Together, the response and accompanying letter aim to contribute constructively to the ongoing strategic discussions and support the development of a coherent, effective, and future-proof international standard-setting system.
