Press Release: Taxation: Commission demands that 5 Member States implement key EU rules against tax evasion

On 20 June 2013 the European Commission sent Reasoned Opinions to Belgium, Greece, Finland (Province of Åland), Italy and Poland asking them to notify the transposition of the Directive on administrative cooperation into national law.

The Directive on Administrative Cooperation aims to increase transparency, improve information exchange and tighten cross-border cooperation: fundamental tools for fighting tax evasion. Member States had a legal obligation to start applying this Directive from 1 January 2013. Belgium, Finland (concerning the Province of Åland), Greece, Italy and Poland have not informed the Commission of the transposition of the Directive into their national legislation.

In the absence of a satisfactory response within two months, the Commission may refer these 5 Member States to the EU's Court of Justice.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: June infringements package: main decisions http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-june-infringements-package-main-decisions/

ESO: Background Information: Fighting tax evasion: stronger EU rules enter into force on 1st January http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-fighting-tax-evasion-stronger-eu-rules-enter-into-force-on-1st-january/

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