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, […]
The German rejection of the Greek bail-out extension request is dangerous and irresponsible
Following the announcement today that the German government has rejected a request by Athens to extend its €172bn bailout, Greens/EFA economic and finance spokesperson Sven Giegold said: The Greek government request for a technical extension of the program is good news and shows a clear willingness to compromise on a reasonable way forward. Wiping-out […]
Tax dumping: Juncker Commission proposes only half-hearted measures
The European Commission today held its first orientation debate on its planned measures against tax dumping and published its first ideas. Commenting on these proposals, Sven Giegold, Green finance and economic spokesperson said: “The EU Commission is still half-hearted and restrained when it comes to fighting tax dumping. The measures could at best be […]
Your ideas for clean European politics
70 percent of EU citizens believe the European Union to be corrupt. In vast e-mails I received and direct talks with citizens I had, I felt a growing discontent due to lack of transparency and excessively influential lobbies. The first anti-corruption report of the EU emphasizes those feelings: The losses of the overall EU economy […]