Unanimity in field of taxation preserves Member States´ interests

The European Commission is pressing ahead with a plan to end national vetoes in some decisions on tax policy. The proposal gains support from some MEPs and Czech businesses would like to stress that the principle of unanimity in the field of taxation should be maintained.

It preserves Member States’ interests and serves as a national vehicle to stimulate growth and respond to fiscal challenges. Tax matters are a competitiveness issue for Member States not only within the EU but also with regard to third countries. A change to qualified voting could lead to countries being voted out where they do not share the same view as other Member States.

Several proposals as presented by the European Commission on fiscal matters, particularly in the area of corporate tax, would have negative implications on the future growth of EU Member States. Tax issues framed in the EU Treaties was not an easy debate and this delicate political compromise has to be maintained especially in the light of Brexit. Opening new risky debates might lead to new divisions and tensions among Member States.