05/01/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 18 December, the European Commission decided to authorise the introduction in Poland of a flat-rate tax regime based on fleet tonnage. This so-called tonnage tax regime enables shipping operators not to pay corporation or personal tax but only a flat-rate tax, based on the tonnage of their fleet. The Commission also agreed that tug-boat activities be covered by the system but only on the condition that 50% of tugboat time focuses on maritime transport activities. The approved scheme could be applied by 1 January 2011. (L.C./transl.fl)