In this own-initiative opinion the EESC supports the Commission’s plans to achieve simplification, reduce the administrative burden and enhance the competitiveness of the European economy. The Committee considers that tax simplification should promote giving cost-efficient information, improving the use of and exchange of information between tax authorities. The Committee recommends that an impact assessment should be undertaken for every proposal in order to properly assess the concrete implications for taxpayers and companies of new legislative initiatives. Furthermore, the Committee also recommends conducting competitiveness checks of new legislative initiatives in the field of taxation, including for SMEs, to ensure that the new rules actually support the planned objectives of the Commission in terms of simplification, decluttering and reduction of the administrative burden. Finally, the EESC proposes that a system of advance rulings at EU level be introduced.
Following a heated debate, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted at its 10-11 July plenary session an opinion on the review of the tobacco directive proposed by the European Commission. In its opinion, the EESC argues that the changes proposed by the Commission will have serious consequences for jobs, the economy and tax revenues, thereby breaching other fundamental EU objectives such as full employment and restored growth. However, the European Economic and Social Committee is also fully aware of the risks that tobacco poses to public health.
Download — Manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products
