Politics
Taxation: Council sets tax decluttering and simplification agenda
The Council approved conclusions today setting a tax decluttering and simplification agenda with a view to contributing to the EU’s competitiveness.
The conclusions represent the Council’s views and give orientations on possible upcoming initiatives in the field of taxation, in the context of improving the EU’s competitiveness and reducing administrative, regulatory and reporting burdens.
Among other things, the conclusions call for a review of the existing EU legislative framework in the area of taxation that should be based on four principles, also to be applied to current and future tax initiatives:
- reducing the reporting, administrative and compliance burdens for member states’ administrations and taxpayers
- eliminating outdated and overlapping tax rules and, where relevant
- increasing the clarity of tax legislation
- streamlining and improving the application of tax rules, procedures and reporting requirements
The conclusions ask for a thorough analysis of the EU legislative framework and a clear identification of its scope and term. To begin with, this process could include a review of the existing directive on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation, in particular in relation to reportable cross-border arrangements, and of the directive laying down rules against tax avoidance practices that directly affect the functioning of the internal market. Furthermore, it should also cover a review of the complete EU taxation legislation, including indirect taxation.
The Council invites the Commission to consult relevant stakeholders and introduce an operational, pragmatic and ambitious action plan including a feasible timeline and a road map of the envisaged work before the end of the autumn 2025.
Background
In its conclusions of April 2024 , the European Council stressed the need for a ‘new European competitiveness deal, anchored in a fully integrated Single Market’. The European Council invited the Commission to ‘significantly reduce the administrative and compliance burden on companies and national authorities, prevent over-regulation and ensure the enforcement of EU rules.
- Council conclusions on a tax decluttering and simplification agenda which contributes to the competitiveness of the EU
Taxation (background information)
Competitiveness (background information)
Author
DISCLAIMER OPINIONS: The opinions of the authors or reproduced in the articles are the ones of those stating them and it is their own responsibility. Should you find any incorrections you can always contact the newsdesk to seek a correction or right of replay.
DISCLAIMER TRANSLATIONS: All articles in this site are published in English. The translated versions are done through an automated process known as neural translations. If in doubt, always refer to the original article. Thank you for understanding.
DISCLAIMER PHOTOS: We mostly used photos images that are readily available online, from free sources, or from the people promoting the news. If by any chance it happens that we have used one of your copyrighted photos, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will take it down without question. We do not make profits as this is a not for profit project to give voice to the voiceless while giving them a platform to be informed also of general news, and it is completely free.
Author
Brussels, March 11, 2025 — The Eurogroup convened yesterday to assess the macroeconomic landscape, fiscal policy adjustments, and evolving financial markets, including developments in the crypto-asset sector. Chaired by Paschal Donohoe, the meeting underscored Europe’s adaptability amid geopolitical and economic turbulence.
Donohoe highlighted the euro area’s resilience in an increasingly uncertain environment. Despite concerns over trade tariffs, security issues, and investment challenges, the European economy has maintained stability. While growth projections have been revised slightly downward, some recent developments offer a more optimistic outlook.
Acknowledging the shifting geopolitical landscape, Eurogroup ministers emphasized the necessity of greater self-reliance, particularly in security and defense. This strategic shift is expected to influence budgetary planning across the bloc. Donohoe stressed the link between financial stability and security, underlining that responsible fiscal management is key to mitigating risks in an unpredictable world.
Several Eurogroup ministers had recently participated in a G7 meeting in South Africa, and their debriefing reinforced the importance of international collaboration. In light of increasing challenges to the global trading system, the discussion focused on the need for solidarity and coordinated policy responses to maintain economic stability.
Another pressing topic was the rapid evolution of crypto-asset markets. With technological advancements and shifting regulatory landscapes worldwide, European policymakers are keen to ensure that the continent remains at the forefront of digital finance. Donohoe emphasized that developments in other jurisdictions could have significant consequences for the euro area. The discussions reaffirmed the importance of the digital euro as a means of strengthening the bloc’s financial autonomy and ensuring the resilience of its currency. Significant technical progress has already been made, and there is increasing consensus among ministers on the importance of this initiative.
The Eurogroup also revisited the progress on the Capital Markets Union, marking a year since the group’s statement on its future. Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis provided an update on the European Commission’s ongoing work, which is expected to conclude soon. Additionally, in line with tradition, Austria’s newly formed government presented its policy priorities, offering insights into its economic and financial strategies.
With the upcoming Euro Summit on the horizon, Donohoe previewed the key issues he intends to raise in his address. He also confirmed that he would communicate these points further in his letter to European Council President António Costa. As Europe navigates complex economic and geopolitical challenges, the Eurogroup’s discussions reinforced a collective commitment to stability, security, and innovation. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the bloc’s fiscal strategy, trade policies, and approach to digital finance.
Author
In a resolution adopted on Wednesday, Parliament calls on the EU to act urgently and ensure its own security. This will mean, MEPs say, strengthening relationships with like-minded partners, and strongly diminishing its reliance on non-EU countries.
A so-called “White Paper” on the future of European defence, that the Commission and the High Representative are expected to present next week should put forward concrete proposals to the European Council to enable “truly ground-breaking efforts” and actions “close to those of wartime” , say MEPs, also welcoming the recently tabled ReArm plan.
The EU as a genuine security provider
To achieve peace and stability in Europe, the EU must support Ukraine and become more resilient itself, MEPs argue. The resolution states, “Europe is today facing the most profound military threat to its territorial integrity since the end of the Cold War”. It calls on member states, international partners, and NATO allies to lift all restrictions on the use of Western weapons systems delivered to Ukraine against military targets on Russian territory.
Russia – supported by its allies Belarus, China, North Korea and Iran – is “the most significant direct and indirect threat against the EU”, the resolution states. MEPs stress how recent actions and statements by the Trump administration have increased concerns about the future stance of the US towards Russia, NATO, and European security, and strongly condemn US threats against Greenland. Against this background, Parliament underlines that EU defence efforts “cannot remain limited in size, fragmented in scope, and lengthy in delivery. MEPs demand increased efforts in the military field, but also in the industrial, technological and intelligence sectors.
Ready for the most extreme military contingencies
The text says the EU must enable its administration to “move much faster through the procedures”, in case of war or other large-scale security crises. While stressing the importance of EU-NATO cooperation, MEPs also call for the development of a fully capable European pillar in NATO that is able to act autonomously whenever necessary.
MEPs believe that EU must decide on a united and clear long-term vision for the European defence industry, and call for a significant increase in common procurement of equipment from EU member states. They insist that decision-making on European defence should be less complex. They endorse the creation of a council of defence ministers, and a move from unanimity to qualified majority for EU decisions in this field, with the exception of military operations with an executive mandate.
Parliament warns that, without a substantial investment increase, EU security and defence objectives will not be reached for either military support to Ukraine, nor for the improvement of the common European security. MEPs state that “urgent needs cannot wait for the next multiannual financial framework”. They ask for “innovative solutions for finding additional funding without delay” such as a system of European defence bonds for financing large-scale military investments.
The resolution was adopted by 419 votes in favour,204 against and46 abstentions.
Source link
Author
Migration: new European approach to returns
Taxation: Council sets tax decluttering and simplification agenda
Eurogroup Addresses Economic Resilience, Fiscal Policy, and Crypto Regulation
-
EU & the World6 days agoWho Won ‘Traitors’ Season 3? Find Out the Winner
-
EU & the World5 days ago‘Happy Gilmore 2’: All About Adam Sandler’s Sequel to the 1996 Comedy
-
Sports5 days agoInter from nightmare to jubilation, overturned Monza
-
Sports6 days agoSerie B, Cosenza by measure over Reggiana
-
Sports6 days agoCagliari and Genoa take a point each
-
EU & the World6 days ago‘Powerpuff Girls’ Live-Action: Trailer, Footage & More From Canceled Show
-
Sports6 days agoLigue 1 2024-2025: Rennes-Paris Saint Germain, the likely lineups.
-
Politics5 days agoMedia advisory – Eurogroup meeting of 10 March and Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 11 March 2025