How Regulatory Change Is Reshaping the Way Enterprises Think About Tax

Across Europe, tax leaders are dealing with one of the most intense periods of change we have seen in years. Initiatives like ViDA, continuous transaction controls, mandatory e-invoicing, and real-time reporting have moved from the realm of abstract policy discussions in to influencing how organisations operate day to day.  

In my conversations with customers and partners across the region, one thing comes up again and again:  while the regulations matter, the bigger question is what they unlock. That perspective sits at the heart of this year’s Exchange Europe.  

Europe’s Role in Setting the Direction  

For many organisations, the first response to new mandates is practical and understandably so. What do we need to implement, by when, and how do we remain compliant? But the organisations that are forging ahead are asking broader questions. What does this mean for how we manage data? How do tax, finance, and IT work together more effectively? And how can compliance support the business rather than slow it down? Exchange Europe 2026 is designed to create space for those conversations.  

Europe has always played a defining role in shaping global standards, whether through market integration, shared frameworks, or digital regulation. Tax and compliance are following the same path. What we are seeing now is a move away from periodic, fragmented approaches toward something more connected and more continuous.  

This shift is as much organisational as it is technical.  

When Tax, Finance, and IT Must Move Together  

Tax teams are being asked to operate with greater speed and visibility, often in real time. Finance leaders want confidence that data is accurate and consistent across jurisdictions. IT teams are under pressure to support platforms that can adapt as regulations continue to evolve. All of this is happening while businesses continue to grow, expand into new markets, and modernise their operating models.  

At our annual conference, we will explore how organisations are responding to these challenges and how many are turning them into an advantage.  

We are excited to bring together a mix of perspectives. Our customers will share their own experiences, including the lessons learned along the way. Our partners will discuss how ecosystems and collaboration are becoming essential as complexity increases. And we at Vertex will talk openly about how we see the future of connected compliance developing across Europe and beyond.  

Connection at the Core  

One theme you will hear across the board this year, is connection.  

Connection between data and decision making. Between tax determination, e-invoicing, reporting, and reconciliation. Between people, processes, and technology. And between compliance obligations and broader business outcomes.  

It is this growing need for connection that is also shaping how organisations think about AI. What is striking in these discussions is how realistic they are. AI is seen as a powerful accelerator, but not a shortcut. The message we hear clearly is that AI only works when it is built on strong data foundations. Strengthening indirect tax data has become a strategic priority for organisations that want to move from reactive responses to more proactive, informed decisions.  

Exchange Europe is about bringing together a community that is actively shaping what comes next. It is a chance to learn from peers, to challenge assumptions, and to build confidence in an environment that continues to change.  

Whether you are just beginning to prepare for upcoming mandates or already well into a transformation journey, my hope is that you leave Exchange Europe with clarity. Clarity on where the market is heading. Clarity on the choices that matter most. And clarity on how regulatory change can become momentum for your organisation.  

Join us on 21-22 April at Exchange Europe 2026. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of tax and compliance in Europe.  

If you haven’t already, you can register now to secure your place.  

We look forward to welcoming you to Vienna.