In the lead-up to the European Council meeting, where EU leaders will discuss tax policy, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is inviting journalists to a press conference onfighting tax fraud and tax evasion.

The real cost of tax evasion is €1 trillion a year. This is the equivalent of Spain’s GDP. Governments cannot afford to lose these tax revenues in an economic crisis where underfunded hospitals in countries like Greece are unable to ensure treatment for all their patients and others, like Portugal, are slashing education budgets

The EESC urges all Member States to come to an agreement that will deliver concrete results for the common good of European citizens. When consulted by the Commission on its action plan, the EESC recommended the following strong proposals as the key to ensuring a successful Summit on fighting tax fraud:

Tax haven blacklists that also cover Member State jurisdictions and companies operating within themEffective sanctions against blacklisted entitiesThe harmonisation of the indirect taxation systemThe inclusion of taxation in the Annual Growth Survey

When:

On Wednesday 22 May 2013 from 10 a.m.Where:

EESC, JDE building, 8th floor, Rue Belliard 99, Brussels

Speakers:

Henri Malosse, President of the EESC

Petru Dandea, rapporteur of the opinion The fight against tax fraud and tax evasion