Gunnar Hökmark (PPE). – Madam President, I have three points.

First of all, in Europe, we already have the highest tax load in the world. That means that European companies are paying 10% to 15% more tax than in any other region in the world. This is one of the reasons why we have too little investment and we have a decline in investments. That is why it is important for this to be about fighting illegal tax avoidance, not making it more difficult to invest in Europe.

Second, tax is a national competence. Even though I know that very many here would like it another way around, it is a national competence and will remain so. We are not a European tax court. Sometimes, when I listen to the words here, I think some colleagues forget that we are not those who are to judge, but those who are to legislate on the issues we are responsible for.

Third, we need to have cooperation between Member States. That is why it is important to stick to the Organisation for Economic Development rules and BEPS recommendations: because otherwise we create new grey zones, disadvantages for the European economy and better opportunities for those who like to illegally avoid tax.