26 September 2022

ECON: Structured Dialogue on Taxation with Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy

ECON Committee held a structured dialogue with Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni in order to discuss ongoing and upcoming priorities of the Commission in the area of taxation.

They discussed in particular the EU implementation of the OECD's Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 tax reform, the revision of the directive on the exchange of tax information (DAC8), an initiative to address the role of tax enablers (SAFE) and an initiative in the field of VAT in the digital age.

The meeting, held by the economic and monetary affairs committee, allowed MEPs to hold an in depth discussion with the Commissioner responsible for taxation for the first time since Russia’s illegal aggression and the ensuing energy price hikes and resulting inflation.

Commissioner Gentiloni explained how his services are doing their part to lay on the pressure on Russia and also address the high energy prices, notably through the presentation of a proposal for a temporary solidarity contribution based on surplus profits made by the fossil-fuel sector.

MEPs sought more details on the Commission’s proposal for this tax on windfall profits, notably on the definition of ‘excess profit’, on why the scope was so narrow, and on how non-EU headquarterd companies would also be made to contribute.

With inequalities soaring and inflation hitting low-end families particularly hard, MEPs also asked if the Commission should not launch a debate on the necessity of a wealth tax.

MEPs were also particularly interested in the next steps for implementing the agreement reached in December at OECD level for a global minimum rate of corporate taxation. Currently blocked in the EU due to Hungary, MEPs wanted to know what next steps were being envisaged. MEPs also asked whether certain rule changes, such as the US’s inflation reduction act, to fight the rapid inflation would pose a problem to the implementation of the OECD agreement or not.

ECON

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