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"The requests are to move ahead on the basis of what the Commission proposed last year.
I proposed this tax as a source of new revenue from an undertaxed sector, and a means of encouraging more responsible trading. It would also prevent a patchwork of national bank taxes from creating difficulties for businesses in the Single Market.
The Financial Transactions Tax is about fair taxation, smart taxation and a stronger, more coordinated approach to taxing the financial sector. These objectives remain valid and fully achievable.
So now it is the time for swift progress. I already have seven letters – from Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Slovenia, Portugal and Greece. And today we got clear assurances that Italy, Spain, Estonia and Slovakia will send theirs very soon.
I am ready to do everything possible to deliver a draft Decision to the November ECOFIN, in order to facilitate very quick progress on this file."