On Thursday 21 January, MEPs adopted by 587 votes in favour, 50 against and 46 abstentions, the resolution on the reform of the European ‘black’ list of tax havens drawn up by the ‘FISC’ subcommittee (see EUROPE 12608/30) and adopted by the ‘ECON’ committee (see EUROPE 12620/24).
The text proposes several ways to enhance the transparency and consistency of the ‘black’ list and suggests stricter criteria, accompanied by stronger defensive measures against tax evasion.
“In calling the ‘black’ list of tax havens confusing and ineffective, Parliament speaks the truth. Although the list can be a good instrument, Member States have forgotten something when drawing it up: the real tax havens. The countries on the list account for only 2% of corporate tax evasion!”, said the chairman of the FISC subcommittee, Paul Tang (S&D, Netherlands).
In particular, MEPs propose adding criteria to ensure that more countries are considered tax havens and to prevent countries from being removed from the list too quickly. According to the text, EU Member States should also be checked to see if they have the characteristics of a tax haven.
We should note that the amendment by the S&D and Greens/EFA groups calling for this reform to take place by the end of 2021 in order to “protect the EU from further financial losses in the post-Covid-19 recovery period” was adopted. (Original version in French by Marion Fontana)