A comprehensive training programme aimed at enhancing the skills of internal auditors at the State Customs Service (SCS) of Ukraine successfully concluded this July. Organised by the EU-funded EU4IBM-Resilience project and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the initiative underscores the EU’s ongoing support for Ukraine’s public administration and customs reforms.
Running from May to July 2025, the 60-hour programme was specifically designed to equip internal auditors with modern techniques and practical skills critical for their daily responsibilities. The training addressed key topics such as risk-based audit methodologies, effective risk management in line with international standards, professional communication and influence strategies, interview techniques, data management through Microsoft Excel, and fundamentals of database management using SQL, Structured Query Language, a standard programming language designed to manage and manipulate relational databases.
To ensure the learning experience was immediately applicable, participants engaged in a blend of theoretical sessions, practical exercises, real-life case studies, and scenario-based tasks. Each session concluded with online assessments to reinforce understanding and validate the acquired knowledge.
Commenting on the training’s relevance, Vyacheslav Toporov, Project Manager of EU4IBM-Resilience, noted: “This training marks a step in strengthening the internal audit capabilities of the State Customs Service of Ukraine. Effective internal audit and risk management practices are essential not only for ensuring transparency and accountability but also for aligning Ukraine’s customs processes with European standards and best practices.”
Participants highly valued the training for its practicality and comprehensive coverage of crucial audit competencies. Oleksandr Lednik, Director of the Internal Audit Department at SCS, provided positive feedback: “We express sincere gratitude for the organisation and funding of this training. The course was comprehensive, professionally prepared, and extremely valuable for our internal auditors. The structured and practical approach allowed participants to immediately apply their new knowledge, significantly enhancing our department’s capabilities.”
The successful conclusion of this training reflects the EU4IBM-Resilience project’s commitment to continual professional development and supporting its interlocutors in meeting European standards, promoting transparency, and strengthening governance mechanisms within public administration.
