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COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 30 November 2011

PRESSE 461

Euro Plus Pact: Report identifies tax issues for discussion

A report on tax policy coordination was endorsed today by finance ministers of the member states participating in the Euro Plus Pact¹. The report will be forwarded to the European Council with a view to its meeting on 9 December

The Euro Plus Pact is intended to strengthen economic policy coordination between member states with the aim of improving competitiveness and enabling a greater degree of convergence. It was concluded in March by 23 of the 27 member states (including the 17 countries of the euro area), and remains open for others to join

The pact includes a specific section on the coordination of tax policies, calling for a structured dialogue between the participating member states. In June, the European Council called on finance ministers to report back in December on progress made

The report identifies the following issues to be addressed in the dialogue:

avoidance of harmful practices;

fight against fraud and tax evasion;

exchange of best practices;

international coordination

The report was approved, without discussion, at a meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council

It suggests that these elements serve as a starting point for further work under the pact in the field of taxation. The Council's high-level working group on tax issues will be the focal point for tax policy coordination. It will be responsible for examining recommendations put forward by the Commission and other relevant bodies, for monitoring progress and reporting to the political level. The work will be taken forward in an inclusive and pragmatic manner, whilst taking into account aspects such as fiscal consolidation and growth