Statement by Commissioner Šemeta and Vice-President Kroes on Taxation of the Digital Economy

"... First, the EU must throw its full collective weight behind international efforts to clamp down on tax avoidance. Member States must speak with one voice, reflecting shared priorities, in the OECD's project to tackle Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS).

 I fully agree that this is the only way of securing EU interests and ensuring that the end result is both simple and effective.

 I particularly welcome the emphasis that the report puts on tackling harmful tax competition, and the recognition that this involves more than just abolishing harmful regimes. From our experience in the EU, we know that solidarity – or peer pressure – must be engaged to encourage fair-play amongst countries. We need to extend this idea internationally.

 Second, I appreciate the recognition that the report gives to the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, which I proposed in 2011.

 The CCCTB offers a "double dividend", delivering on both fronts when it comes to our taxation priorities..." 

"... In determining how to modernise our tax system we need to encourage two things: greater fairness and greater opportunities to create new jobs and growth. While digital products and services present tax challenges, they also provides means for ensuring simpler and more transparent tax system, and are now integrated into the whole economy..." 


read more at http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-14-176_en.htm