Paolo Gentiloni, nominated to become the future Economic and Tax Commissioner, announced his support to present a new action plan to combat tax avoidance and climate change in today’s hearing before the European Parliament. In response to Sven Giegold’s question about a continuation of the ambitious tax agenda of the previous EU Commission, Gentiloni replied that he would submit to the College of Commissioners a new EU tax action plan against tax fraud and tax avoidance as well as for environmental taxes. After today’s consultation and green light by the committees ECON (Economic and Monetary Affairs), BUDG (Budget) and EMPL (Employment), Gentiloni has a good chance of becoming part of the new EU Commission under President Ursula von der Leyen.
MEP Sven Giegold, financial and economic policy spokesperson of the Greens/EFA group commented:
“The announcement of a new action plan on taxation is one of the first commitments of a nominated Commissioner beyond the mission letters of President-elect von der Leyen. Gentiloni has credibly stated that he is personally dedicated to continuing the EU Commission’s tax agenda. It is good for Europe that the fight against tax dumping continues. A minimum tax on corporate profits is an important prerequisite for more tax justice in Europe.
Gentiloni’s commitment to taxes that protect the environment and our planet is a direct response to the citizens’ vote in the European elections in May. Following the German government’s poor climate package, the new EU Commission must table ambitious proposals to curb climate change. Only concrete and rapid measures such as an effective tax on kerosene and CO2 can save us from the worst.”
Link to video from the hearing: