Fight against fakes: Commission publishes Annual Report on EU Customs actions to enforce intellectual property rights

22/07/2010

"The Commission and Member States will continue to work with international trading partners and industry to ensure the highest level of protection for intellectual property rights in the EU.” 

Opening of he 14th General Assembly of IOTA

08/07/2010

Speeking in the 14^th General Assembly of IOTA, Commissioner Algirdas Šemeta has addressed the challenges and effects of the crisis in the tax systems.

He has emphasized, that we should strive to maintain and consolidate compliance, simplify the tax legislation and create a favourable environment for businesses. Commissioner noted that strong co-operation between tax administrations will be vital in addressing the challenges ahead.

European Commission and British American Tobacco sign agreement to combat illicit trade in tobacco

15/07/2010

Today the European Commission announced a multi-year agreement with British American Tobacco (BAT) to work together in tackling the illicit trade in tobacco products. Under the legally binding agreement, BAT will work with the European Commission, its anti-fraud office OLAF, and Member States’ law enforcement authorities to help in the fight against contraband and counterfeit cigarettes. The Agreement includes substantial payments by BAT to the Commission and Member States, totalling USD 200 million (EUR 134 million) over the next 20 years. It should make a significant contribution to the EU’s efforts to fight the illicit tobacco trade, which robs the EU and Member States of billions of euros every year.

Commissioner Šemeta presents Reflection Paper on Reform of OLAF

12/07/2010

"We have an obligation to ensure that EU taxpayers' money is properly protected and that we take all possible measures to tackle fraud."