The European Commission today held an orientation debate on corporate taxation policy, ahead of anticipated legislative proposals in the coming weeks. Commenting on the leaked proposals on the table, Green tax policy spokesperson Sven Giegold said: “These proposals undermine the credibility and commitment of the Juncker Commission in tax matters. A crucial measure for […]
Wanted: Campaigner Tax Justice
The Greens/EFA group has decided to establish six policy priorities for at least two years. I convinced the group to make “Tax Justice” one of these priorities. This priority targets corporate tax avoidance practices, tax avoidance and evasion by rich individuals as well as tax dumping by member states. With this priority the group aims […]
Leserbrief in der Financial Times: Accounts must offer a fair view of a company’s health
Diesen Leserbrief habe ich gemeinsam mit meinem Kollegen Syed Kamall in der Financial Times veröffentlicht: “Sir, Robert Lenzner has indirectly mentioned a major area of the regulatory framework for financial institutions that has been only cosmetically reformed in the wake of the financial crisis; that of accounting standards ( Comment , April 21). It […]
Documents of the special committee on tax dumping
It did take some time, but on March 16th the special committee of the European Parliament TAXE started with its work. It is a big chance to reveal who bears the blame of tax dumping favoured by governments and multinational corporations. The investigation in the European Parliament can help to push for effective laws in […]
Financial scandal over the weekend: Life insurance regulation denies reality
Today, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) published for the first time the discount rates for the new regulatory system Solvency II. European insurers will apply these discount rates to determine the regulatory technical provisions for their insurance obligations. Sufficient technical provisions are a key factor for the insurers’ ability to pay appropriate […]
EP tax evasion investigation kicks off; proper inquiry must be swiftly ramped-up
The European Parliament special committee to investigate tax evasion and dumping in Europe today met for the first time, agreeing on its structure and key posts at its constitutive meeting (1). The special committee will operate on the mandate proposed by the Greens/EFA group as the basis for an inquiry committee. Commenting on the occasion, […]