About: VAT fraud
Member states approve reduced tax for e-books and digital press
EU finance ministers reached an agreement on Tuesday (2 October) to allow willing member states to apply reduced VAT rates or even scrap taxes on electronic books and digital press.
VAT overhaul accused of being contrary to EU treaties
The de-harmonisation of VAT rates put forward by the Commission has been flagged as unconstitutional. Moreover, the proposal to completely overhaul the primary European tax faces much criticism. EURACTIV.fr reports.
A European FBI? Not quite
The European Commission's proposal for an independent body to investigate fraudulent use of EU funds and VAT crimes is long overdue. While not as fully-fledged as an EU version of the FBI, all member states should sign up to it - especially those who have currently opted out, writes Carl Dolan.
Commission offers softer rules to Hungary, Poland to sweeten EU prosecutor deal
EU Commissioner of Justice Věra Jourová said on Friday (6 October) that she is ready to simplify rules controlling cohesion expenditure if Poland and Hungary join the new European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).
Jail terms for French carbon trading scammers
A top fraudster behind a tax scam in France using EU carbon emission rights was sentenced to nine years in prison Wednesday (13 September) as authorities press ahead with prosecutions over the €1.6 billion scandal.
How consumers and government can combat the shadow economy
Perhaps the clue is in its name but the shadow economy’s drain on economic growth and public finances can be difficult to recognise. And, unfortunately, consumers can often unwittingly contribute to its growth, writes George Simon.
EU targets terror financing with VAT fraud crackdown
To gain the cooperation of reluctant countries such as Germany in its anti-fraud efforts, the EU executive is highlighting the link between VAT fraud and terrorism. EURACTIV France reports.
Commission hails downsized EU public prosecutor as victory for ‘multi-speed Europe’
EU leaders agreed to slice up a controversial bill to open the first EU public prosecutor's office, with some backers calling it a victory of “multi-speed Europe” because it will free countries that opposed the new set-up to drop out.
France and Germany team up to push through EU public prosecutor’s office
France and Germany have proposed an enhanced cooperation procedure to overcome the reluctance of some EU member states and push through plans for a European public prosecutor's office. EURACTIV France reports.
Under pressure from national governments, Commission lowers VAT rates for e-books
Booksellers will be able to sell e-books with low VAT rates to match the discounts already applied to paper books under a change to EU tax law announced today (1 December).
A cashless society is a fairer society
Greater transparency is key to combatting VAT fraud and the shadow economy, writes Jason Lane.
Multi-billion EU carbon market fraud operated from Poland
The founder of Poland's biggest carbon quota brokerage firm, whose name appeared in connection with the Panama Papers, has been found guilty of VAT fraud and sentenced to jail in France. Warsaw denies wrongdoing, calling the multi-billion fraud an "unfortunate incident". EURACTIV France reports.
EU carbon market fraudsters face heavy jail sentences
Carbon market fraud reveals the vulnerability of the EU's banking system. The speed of trading on the carbon market, coupled with lax enforcement in Cyprus and Lithuania, allowed French criminals to steal €283 million. EURACTIV France reports.
Commission revolutionises VAT to tackle fraud
VAT fraud costs EU taxpayers around €50 billion each year. But now the Commission is clamping down on this racket with an ambitious, if complex, overhaul of the European system. EURACTIV France reports.
EU auditors slam inaction on VAT fraud
Member states' unwillingness to cooperate laves them wide open to VAT fraud, the European Court of Auditors said on Thursday (3 March). This weakness costs the EU as much as €168 billion per year. EURACTIV France reports.
French pork farmers accuse Germany of VAT fraud
The French pork industry has lodged a complaint to the European Commission, accusing German farmers of VAT fraud worth €250 million. EURACTIV France reports.
Commission mulls VAT gap reform
The European Commission has published its third report on the 'VAT gap'. The situation has not improved since 2011. EURACTIV France reports.
Gas and electricity fraud force energy groups to speak out
Europe's ten largest gas and electricity associations have called upon the European Commission to enforce the 2013 directive on VAT fraud across all 28 member states. Only six states currently apply the directive. EURACTIV France reports.![[Frankenspotter Photography/Flickr]](https://www.euractiv.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/11/german_cars_fraud_vat_creditfrankenspotter_photography_flickr.jpeg)
France moves to block fraudulent German car sales
The French Ministry of Finances wants to combat VAT fraud by changing the rules for selling foreign cars in France. Car dealers' profits have been hard hit by a wave of fraud. EURACTIV France reports.
Brussels wages new battle against VAT fraud
The European Commission wants to ease tax information exchange with countries such as Norway and Russia which provide e-commerce and telecom services, but some big member states are still reluctant to share. VideoPromoted content
Commission proposes standard VAT declaration for EU companies
The European Commission presented on Wednesday a new proposal to standarise VAT return for business and companies across Europe. Aiming at slashing red-tape for businesses, ease tax compliance and make tax administrations across the Union more efficient, this new regulation can cut costs for EU businesses by up to €15 billion a year, according to the EU's executive.Commission proposed standard VAT return
Algirdas Šemeta, the European commissioner in charge of taxation, has proposed a uniform VAT return, in a move to simplify EU law.
EU summit to grapple with tax havens, evasion and fraud
The European Commission's recent push against tax havens is likely to be diluted into a wider list of issues related to fighting tax evasion and fraud, according to documents seen by EURACTIV.