Europees Economisch en Sociaal Comité
Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires more than political commitment, says the European Economic and Social Committee. Increased investment, especially by the private sector, is needed to address current economic, social and environmental challenges. The Committee therefore advises the EU and its Member States to adjust their investment and tax policies to enhance growth prospects, and thereby private sector contributions, to accomplishing the SDGs.
Krister Andersson participated as a panellist at the 73rd Congress of the International Fiscal Association (IFA) held in London on 8-12 September 2019. The IFA was established in 1938 in The Hague, the Netherlands, and it is now a truly global association with more than 12,900 members from 114 countries. Employees from tax authorities, government representatives, corporate tax officers and experts from tax law firms are members.
Given the sensitivities of qualified majority voting in tax matters, the European Economic and Social Committee supports the European Commission's ambition to kick-start a debate on how to reform decision-making in EU tax policy.
Corporate taxes could the the most harmful form of taxation to economic growth. Contrary to public perception, there has been no reduction in corporate tax revenues in relation to GDP in the last 40 years. Countries that have reduced their corporate tax rates in recent years have seen increases in investment in the following years. There is no race to the bottom, rather to a middle range of some 20% corporate tax rate and revenues are stable or even increasing.
Mr Krister Andersson, rapporteur ECO/458 "Taxation in the digitalised economy", participated in the public consultation on the tax challenges of digitalization, organised by the OECD in Paris
The government, representatives of organised civil society and other interest groups call for fresh impetus for the European Union
An effective solution for taxation of businesses in the digitalised economy should be found at the global level, to prevent further unilateral action and to ensure sustainable growth, investment, tax certainty and fairness, international tax experts and civil society representatives stated at a hearing held by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 29 January.
Mr Krister Andersson, rapporteur ECO/458 "Taxation in the digitalised economy", participated in an event on "The impact of Digital and Artificial Intelligence on audit and finance professionals: harnessing the opportunities of disruptive technologies"
A new VAT system for taxing trade between Member States must tap its full potential and limit any possible negative effects for the single market, says the European Economic and Social Committee in its recently adopted opinion on a proposal presented by the European Commission. Greater collaboration between national authorities and extensive communication by the Commission will be key to its successful implementation. Clarifications are needed on some proposed concepts and criteria and a common system for goods and services must follow as soon as possible.
