EU taxation policy

Latest news from the European Union about EU taxation policy.

The European Commission in its Communication of 23 May 2001 on "Tax policy in the European Union - Priorities for the years ahead" reiterated its belief that there is no need for an across the board harmonisation of EU Member States' tax systems. Provided that they respect Community rules, Member States are free to choose the tax systems that they consider most appropriate and according to their preferences.

Brussels wants EU VAT system adapted to 21st century needs — 12 December 2022, 23:36 CET

The European Commission proposed Thursday a series of measures to modernise and make the EU's Value-Added Tax (VAT) system work better for businesses and more resilient to fraud.

EU presses ahead with minimum tax for large multinationals — 04 January 2022, 19:49 CET

The European Commission put forward its proposal Wednesday for an EU directive ensuring a minimum 15 per cent effective tax rate for the global activities of large multinational groups.

New EU VAT rules to simplify e-commerce — 28 June 2021, 22:18 CET

New Value-Added Tax rules for online shopping enter into force on 1 July with a view to ensuring a more level playing field for all businesses and to simplifying cross-border e-commerce in Europe.

New tax rules to help EU business to recovery — 18 May 2021, 17:46 CET

The European Commission set out its plans for a new business taxation system Tuesday, promising a more robust, efficient and fair system to support Europe's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Differences remain on EU digital service tax — 07 November 2018, 15:42 CET

EU finance ministers meeting Tuesday have some way to go before they can agree on the digital service tax directive, aimed at addressing the most urgent gaps and loopholes in the taxation of digital activities.

Straws, cotton buds targeted in EU plan to ban single-use plastics — 29 May 2018, 00:25 CET

Plans to tackle marine litter, outlined by the EU Commission Monday, would ban ten single-use plastic products most often found on Europe's beaches and seas, as well as lost and abandoned fishing gear.

Commission tables update to rules on excise duties — 28 May 2018, 23:12 CET

An update of rules governing excise duty on alcohol within the EU, proposed Friday by the Commission, would reduce costs for small alcohol-producing businesses and better protect consumer health.

Advisers set for tighter EU scrutiny over tax schemes — 14 March 2018, 00:10 CET

EU Member States reached political agreement Tuesday on new transparency rules for tax advisers, accountants, banks and lawyers who design and promote tax planning schemes for their clients.

EU green light for new rules to resolve tax disputes — 11 October 2017, 15:47 CET

EU finance ministers gave their green light Tuesday to a new system for resolving resolve tax disputes between Member States, including over double taxation, seen as a major obstacle for businesses.

Digital economy must gear up for EU tax reform — 22 September 2017, 11:39 CET

The EU Commission launched its agenda to reform taxation of online business Thursday, paving the way for a legislative proposal on EU rules for taxation of profits in the digital economy.

41 million fake goods seized at EU borders, China main source — 20 July 2017, 18:41 CET

Customs authorities detained more than 41 million fake and counterfeit products valued at over EUR 670 million at the EU's external borders in 2016, according to figures released Thursday.

EU transparency rules target tax avoidance planners — 21 June 2017, 22:31 CET

The EU Commission proposed Wednesday tough new transparency rules for intermediaries - tax advisers, accountants, banks and lawyers - who design and promote tax planning schemes for their clients.

New EU rules clamp down on multinationals' tax avoidance — 30 May 2017, 00:11 CET

Member States formally adopted new EU rules to prevent tax avoidance via non-EU countries Monday, closing down so-called 'hybrid mismatches' with the tax systems of third countries.

EU agrees system to resolve double taxation disputes — 25 May 2017, 23:49 CET

EU finance ministers agreed Tuesday on a new system intended to help resolve disputes which arise between Member States from the interpretation of agreements on the elimination of double taxation.

EU safeguards taxpayers' right to VAT refunds — 16 July 2010, 11:47 CET

The European Commission is to postpone the deadline for the submission of VAT refund requests related to 2009, to give more time to taxpayers to apply for VAT refunds.

Hungary Mining Act violates EU state aid rules: EC — 09 June 2010, 17:13 CET

The European Commission has concluded that a 2005 agreement between the Hungarian government and the Oil and Gas Company MOL conferred a financial advantage on the company that cannot be exempted under EU State aid rules.

EU to strengthen cross-border cooperation on VAT fraud — 08 June 2010, 20:15 CET

EU Finance Ministers today reached an agreement on a draft regulation which will enable EU member states to combine efforts in combating fraud with regard to value-added taxation (VAT).

EU opens consultation on double taxation — 29 April 2010, 17:19 CET

The European Commission launched today an online public consultation to ask individuals, companies and tax advisers for information on double taxation problems that they have encountered when operating across borders within the EU.

MEPs urge transaction tax to help developing countries — 25 March 2010, 20:53 CET

EU Member States should bring in a financial transactions tax and consider a temporary debt moratorium for developing countries, says the European Parliament. In a resolution adopted at their plenary session in Brussels today, MEPs said this would help developing countries to cope with the effects of the global financial and economic crisis.

Commission requests exit tax changes — 18 March 2010, 22:33 CET

The European Commission has formally requested Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands to change tax rules which impose an immediate exit tax when companies transfer their seat or assets to another EU Member State.

EU to cooperate on fighting tax evasion — 17 March 2010, 00:39 CET

At a meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council today, finance ministers adopted a draft EU directive on strenghtening mutual assistance between Member States in the recovery of taxes.

EU Court declares EDF compatible with common market — 17 December 2009, 13:06 CET

The General Court has annulled the Commission’s decision declaring certain fiscal measures implemented by France for EDF (Eléctricité de France) to be incompatible with the common market. on grounds that the Commission did not conduct a private investor test to back its findings.

Italian dividend tax incompatible with EU rules: Court — 17 December 2009, 13:07 CET

A new reformed tax regime for Italian-sourced dividends is incompatible with EC legislation on free movement of capital and freedom of establishment, according to a ruling by the European Court of Justice on 1 December 2009.

EU court orders France Télécom to pay overdue taxes of 1140 million EUR — 07 December 2009, 19:48 CET

The European Court of Appeals has confirmed a Commission decision to order the recovery of aid granted to France Télécom in the form of tax breaks. Over a 12-year period, France Télécom benefited from state aid amounting to a potential sum of EUR 1,140 million.