19 April 2001

Commission Communication on Elimination of Tax Obstacles on Occupational Pensions

Communication from the Commission
The present Communication supplements the proposed Pension Fund Directive by dealing with the tax aspects of cross-border occupational pension provision. The elimination of tax-obstacles to the cross-border provision of occupational pensions will enable pension institutions to operate with greater efficiency in meeting the needs of workers and employers. It will also make pension institutions more efficient suppliers of capital to business in their capacity as investors in the economy. More generally, it will contribute to European industry’s competitiveness.

In accordance with the principles set out in the Commission Communication of 11 May 1999 it:

seeks a co-ordinated approach adapted to the diversity of Member States’ rules, rather than attempting to achieve harmonization;

calls for the elimination of unduly restrictive or discriminatory tax rules;

presents measures to safeguard Member States’ tax revenues.
See also the press release for a short summary

The Commission has accordingly taken a number of initiatives on occupational pensions. On 11 October 2000 the Commission issued a Communication on safe and sustainable pensions.

On 11 May 1999 the Commission issued its Communication “Towards a Single Market for Supplementary Pensions”.

© European Commission