Press Release: Taxation: European Commission suggests the need for a coherent European strategy to combat tax fraud

The European Commission on 31 May 2006 adopted a Communication with the aim to launch a debate with all parties concerned on a European strategy to combat tax fraud. It noted that tax fraud was a growing problem and that the Member States were not able to act effectively in isolation. The European Commission proposed a new Community approach to administrative co-operation with third countries and was prepared to engage in a broad discussion on the need to modify VAT systems. Regarding co-operation between Member States, it proposed strengthening the provisions in force for indirect taxation (VAT and excise duties) and reforming Community legislation on direct taxation and assistance in the recovery of taxes.

European Commission: Memo: MEMO/06/221, EU coherent strategy against fiscal fraud – Frequently Asked Questions, 31.5.06 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/06/221&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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