Taxation

While mainly the responsibility of the individual EU countries, the EU helps coordinate some personal tax policies like inheritance, pensions and savings.

The EU has rules to prevent double taxation of cross-border companies and initiatives to make the tax treatment of business fairer and fight tax avoidance.

EU rules for excise duties on alcohol, tobacco and energy exist because differences can impede cross-border trade and distort competition.

The EU provides a framework for member countries to tackle cross-border tax fraud and tax evasion in a coordinated way.

The EU provides a legal framework for cooperation, information exchange and mutual assistance between EU tax authorities.

The EU sets some basic rules for national VAT, including minimum rates, to ensure the free flow of goods and fair competition in the internal market.

A proposed tax on financial transactions is envisaged by 11 EU countries, to ensure the financial sector makes a fair contribution to public finances.