Key points:
The EESC
- welcomes the proposal for a review of the Parent-Subsidiary Directive, and considers that it is a major step forward in implementing the action plan to strengthen the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion;
- endorses the Commission proposal aiming to implement a general anti-abuse rule (GAAR);
- supports the effort to curb the use of hybrid financial instruments enabling cross border groups to obtain tax advantages which undermine competition within the single market;
- recommends that when implementing this directive, Member States take account of the Commission's recommendation on aggressive tax planning as well as the interpretation of the European Court of Justice;
- recommends that the Commission draw up a recommendation which will help the Member States ensure that the transposition of the directive is legally correct;
- asks that Member States should adhere to very clear legal definitions in order to ensure that the directive is implemented correctly, without creating complicated situations for businesses and tax administrations.