Thank you, Chair,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Its excellent to be here. Thank you for the invitation and your kind words on our collaboration, which I am very much looking forward to.
My job title is long, but an important element is missing: taxation. I always add it due to the importance and relevance of the topic.
Taxes enable us to build better societies and invest in essential matters: safety, education, infrastructure, etc. We must continue focusing on a tax structure that advances our economies and well-being.
Today, Ill discuss three points:
- The competitiveness agenda.
- The role of taxes in the green transition.
- Fairness and transparency in taxation.
Last week, we unveiled the Commissions new roadmap: the Competitiveness Compass. It highlights the need for a competitiveness-driven approach to decarbonisation as a growth strategy.
We will finalise the Clean Industrial Deal at the end of the month to encourage industry investments in climate-neutral clean technology.
What does this mean for tax policy? We are exploring recommendations for immediate expensing and accelerated depreciation to encourage investments in clean technology. We are also evaluating the State Aid framework and working on proposals like BEFIT to enhance EU competitiveness.
Additionally, we are aware of high energy prices and are examining the role of levies and taxes to address this issue.
Complexity and bureaucracy need to be tackled. We are exploring how to simplify these processes at both European and national levels. We are looking at streamlining the Anti-Avoidance Directive and improving information exchange for tax purposes.
Taxes can be a powerful tool for climate goals. We hope to conclude negotiations on the Energy Taxation Directive, which taxes fossil fuels more than renewables.
I also want to explore other ways to push forward our green transition agenda, such as greening VAT systems.
The recent VAT reform was a significant step, with benefits like cheaper solar panels and heat pumps. We are considering further reforms in transport, tourism, and the circular economy.
Our tax systems must be fair, simple, and fraud-proof. Last month, we published the latest VAT gap report, which showed a gap of EUR 89 billion in 2022.
We need to do more to close this gap and increase productivity instead of only focusing on tax increases or debt levels.
On e-commerce: we receive over 4 billion small parcels annually. This presents challenges in terms of safety and the environment. We must draw a clear line here.
Internationally: I look forward to engaging with OECD partners. The recent US measures are regrettable, but we remain committed to our global tax obligations.
Finally, I commend the efforts of Mr. Tridico and the FISC coordinators in organizing the Tax Symposium on March 18.
Thank you.