Course description

Tax policy is more than a technical matter: it is a cornerstone of sustainable governance and international cooperation. As governments grapple with digitalisation, climate change, and widening inequalities, tax systems must evolve to promote fairness, transparency, and long-term development. This intensive and practice-oriented training course is designed to equip professionals, policymakers, and academics with insights and tools to navigate this dynamic field. Through in-depth modules, real-world case studies, and strategic workshops, the programme explores critical areas, such as the OECD Domestic Tax Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) 2.0 implementation, EU tax integration, environmental taxation, and the future of digital and AI-driven tax systems. By connecting tax policy to the broader goals of sustainability and global equity, this course fosters informed, cross-sectoral dialogue and empowers participants to become leaders in shaping more resilient and inclusive fiscal systems.

This executive programme uniquely explores the convergence of traditional tax policy with emerging sustainability imperatives, environmental taxation mechanisms, and AI-driven administrative systems. Participants will engage with real-time policy developments through interactive simulations, cross-sector case studies, and hands-on technology demonstrations, ensuring immediate applicability to their professional challenges.

Focused on “Reform, Reputation and the New Architecture of Tax”, the programme will cover the following topics:

Day 1: Global Architecture and Tax Sovereignty

• Foundations of international tax rules and global tax governance, including the OECD/G20 BEPS 2.0 pillars and the digital tax sovereignty debate.
• Design and implementation challenges of the global international tax framework, factoring in developments at the OECD, UN and European Union.

Day 2: Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement

• Practical implementation of the new rules in multinational groups and tax administrations, including transfer pricing in an evolving international world, tax transparency, and dispute-prevention tools.
• Engaging with policymakers, regulators and other stakeholders, and managing reputational risk and public tax disclosure expectations.

Day 3: Climate, ESG and Technology in Tax Policy

• Integrating climate and sustainability objectives into tax policy (carbon pricing, border adjustment mechanisms, and the ESG–tax interface).
• Leveraging data and technology (including AI) to modernise tax administration, enhance compliance, and strengthen long-term tax governance.

Learning methods

• Immersive learning environment: small cohort format ensures personalised attention and meaningful peer-to-peer learning opportunities at the historic Palazzo Buontalenti executive education premises;
• Real-world application with case studies, live policy developments, and practical scenarios directly relevant to participants' professional challenges;
• Access to the online learning platform with the selected relevant policy documents, academic research, and industry best practices.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

• Navigate complex international policy frameworks coupled with digital tax sovereignty challenges;
• Design strategic compliance systems integrating ESG considerations and sustainability metrics;
• Engage effectively with policymakers through evidence-based advocacy and stakeholder mapping;
• Apply Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms and environmental tax policy principles;
• Leverage AI-driven tools and emerging technologies in tax administration and risk assessment;

Who should attend

Tax and public affairs policy managers from both private and public sectors who are responsible for:

• Complex international tax policy and compliance matters;
• Regulatory advocacy and stakeholder engagement;
• Cross-border policy coordination and implementation;
• Strategic tax governance in multinational environments;

 Including:

• Corporate tax directors managing global tax strategies and compliance;
• Public affairs managers engaging with policymakers and regulatory bodies;
• Government tax officials developing and implementing international tax policies;
• Regulatory compliance officers in multinational enterprises;
• Tax advisors advising on cross-border transactions and policy changes;
• International organisation staff working on global tax coordination;
• Sustainability and ESG professionals seeking to understand tax policy implications for environmental and governance frameworks.

Information for applicants

• This in-person training course will take place in Florence on 17, 18, and 19 February 2027. Registrants who are selected will be expected to be present on the EUI campus in Florence, Italy, on the days of the course.
• The programme will include approximately 18 hours of in-session training, not including lunches or coffee breaks.
• Participants will be enrolled on the EUI’s virtual learning environment to access the materials of the course.
• The programme features an exceptional faculty combining academic excellence with practical expertise. Participants will learn from EUI professors specialising in international economic governance, in-house tax leaders, senior officials from the OECD Tax Policy Centre and European Commission DG TAXUD, national tax administration leaders, and senior tax directors from Fortune 500 companies. Full faculty profiles and programme details will be published shortly.

Certification

Accepted participants who successfully complete the training course will receive a Certificate of Attendance from the EUI’s Florence School of Transnational Governance.