Joint letter on tackling tax fraud and tax evasion from Commissioner Šemeta and irish Minister Noonan

25/04/2013

Commissioner Algirdas Šemeta  and Irish Finance Minister Michael Noonan have sent a letter to all EU Finance Ministers, setting out 7 key areas for immediate action in improving the fight against tax fraud, evasion and avoidance.

Commission welcomes EP positive vote on discharge for the 2011 EU budget

17/04/2013

The Commission welcomes the European Parliament's decision to grant discharge to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the 2011 EU budget.

Algirdas Šemeta, Commissioner responsible for Taxation, Customs, Statistics, Audit and Anti-Fraud, said:  "The decision by the European Parliament to grant discharge to the Commission is recognition of our consistent effort over the years to improve the management and control of EU funds. I agree with the Council and Parliament when they call for further simplification of the rules and processes in order to reduce the risk of errors. I agree with them when they call on Member States to take up their full responsibilities, given that they are first in line in managing and controlling about 80% of the whole budget.

Commissioner Šemeta on tax evasion: Ecofin speaking points

15/04/2013

The surge in Member States’ appetite for progress and action in the fight against evasion is extremely welcome. They echo what the Commission has long been calling for. And as a result, the tools are already on the table, waiting to be seized.

Statement by Commissioner Šemeta on fighting tax evasion

08/04/2013

"Recent developments, fuelled by the outcome of the Offshore Leaks, confirms the urgency for more and better action against tax evasion. The Commission has long advocated more transparency and stronger common tools to fight fraudsters, discourage evaders and ensure fair burden-sharing in taxes.

Commissioner Šemeta welcomes EP vote on the revision of the European System of Accounts

14/03/2013

Algirdas Šemeta, European Commissioner responsible for Statistics, has welcomed the European Parliament's endorsement today of the proposed Regulation on ESA 2010. This will allow a revised methodological framework for national accounts data, adapted to today's economies, to be used in compiling data for economic policy and other administrative purposes in the EU.

26/02/2013

La Commission européenne a lancé deux consultations publiques sur des mesures spécifiques qui pourraient améliorer la perception de l'impôt et garantir un meilleur respect des obligations fiscales dans l'ensemble de l'Union.

Financial Transaction Tax under Enhanced Cooperation: Commission sets out the details

14/02/2013

The details of the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) to be implemented under enhanced cooperation have been set out in a proposal adopted by the Commission today. As requested by the 11 Member States (France, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Slovenia, Portugal, Greece, Slovakia, Italy, Spain, Estonia) that will proceed with this tax, the proposed Directive mirrors the scope and objectives of the original FTT proposal put forward by the Commission in September 2011 (IP/11/1085). The approach of taxing all transactions with an established link to the FTT-zone is maintained, as are the rates of 0.1% for shares and bonds and 0.01% for derivatives.

European Commission strengthens the protection of the euro by means of criminal law

05/02/2013

The European Commission has today proposed to crack down on criminals who counterfeit euro notes and coins. Counterfeiting of the euro is estimated to have cost at least €500 million since the currency was introduced in 2002. The proposal aims to strengthen the protection of the euro and other currencies against counterfeiting through criminal law measures.

Commissioner Šemeta welcomes agreement on enhanced cooperation for Financial Transaction Tax

22/01/2013

The Council adopted a decision authorising 11 member states to proceed with the introduction of a financial transaction tax (FTT) through enhanced cooperation. Welcoming the agreement, Commissioner Šemeta said:

"Today's agreement to allow 11 Member States to move ahead with a harmonised Financial Transaction tax is a major milestone.

It is for milestone for EU tax policy, as it paves the way for more ambitious Member States to progress on a tax file, even when unanimity could not be achieved. Those who want to move ahead, and who appreciate the merits of working more closely on taxation at EU-level, can do so. This is a highly significant and very welcome advance.
 
But today is also a milestone in global tax history.
 
For the first time ever, the Financial Transaction Tax will be applied at regional level. A block representing around 2/3 of EU GDP will implement this fair tax together, answering the long-time calls of their citizens.  And in doing so, they can pave the way for others to do the same."
 
See also : http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-13-42_en.htm

Commissioner Semeta sets out priorities for EU tax policy: Speech at Irish Parliament Committee on Finance

10/01/2013

Commissioner Semeta today addressed the Irish Parliament (Oireachtas) Committee on Finance, setting out the priorities for EU Taxation under the Irish Presidency.  These include progress on the Financial Transaction Tax, the Tax Evasion and Avoidance Package, and the CCCTB.