EU tax simplification package: Member States must support the European Commission’s relief initiative

The European Commission has presented its proposal for a Tax simplification package. The aim is to significantly reduce the complexity of the European tax system. The German Insurance Association (GDV) welcomes the Commission’s relief initiative. Insurers are calling on EU Member States to support the course of action that has been set out.

Jörg Asmussen, CEO of the GDV, commented:

“The tax simplification package is a necessary response to the growing pressure on Europe as a business location. The European Commission recognizes that Europe has become overburdened with regulation, including in the area of taxation. Overly bureaucratic withholding tax procedures, excessive reporting obligations, and too much compliance burden within a maze of anti-abuse regulations. The European Commission is addressing exactly these issues and, with its proposal, is providing genuine relief. This deserves recognition.

What matters now is that the Member States in the Council of the European Union follow the path set by the Commission. It is an encouraging sign that the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council has already identified tax law as a key priority. In the interest of the EU’s competitiveness, Member States should demonstrate a greater willingness to pursue reform than they have in previous tax policy debates. National tax interests must not be allowed to cause Europe to lose further ground internationally.”