Verbatim report of proceedings

Wednesday, 15 September 2021 - Strasbourg

Implementation of EU requirements for exchange of tax information (debate)

  Marek Belka (S&D). – Madam President, Commissioner, let me stress what this discussion is about. It is about what 75% of our citizens expect of the EU: to intervene more against tax fraud.

In times of an economic, social and health crisis, we cannot afford to lose more funds from taxes. But we are failing. Member States don’t exchange relevant information amongst each other, don’t implement EU legislation on tax cooperation, and seem not to trust other Member States and institutions on tax matters.

Here’re some news for the Member States: it will be impossible to fight tax fraud of many big corporations and rich individuals without help from you. What will you give up if you don’t have funds from taxes due to your lack of cooperation: schools, social support, or health?

Trust is key. And as the Parliament, we’ll be pushing you to put your pride aside and join forces in this cooperative fight.