Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-12-13-Speech-2-197"
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"en.20051213.52.2-197"2
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I am resolute in my belief that tax competition is vital. I absolutely reject the assertion that levelling up tax in the direction of harmonisation, can offer any solution to the un-competitiveness of Europe.
A consolidated tax base would have the effect of placing the fiscal policy of Member States into a straight jacket. If a government wanted to kick start an economic activity, through the granting of tax credits for Research and Development, that Member State would have to gain prior approval from the Council under unanimity.
Is that our vision for Europe? Where a consolidated approach means that the prior approval of all 25 Member States is necessary when formulating domestic fiscal policy? And while Europe busies itself with such decisions, the competitiveness of the global markets will mean investors simply move on. That is not my vision for Europe. Fiscal flexibility is paramount to improving European competitiveness.
R[amp]D is one element in the overall mix that determines competitiveness. Let us not forget that tax is another. And tax competition is healthy.
According to this report "the trend towards tax rate competition may lead to a drop in income tax". This is a very short-sighted view, not least because the Polish and Irish examples disprove it."@en1
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