Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2011-10-13-Speech-4-033-000"
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"en.20111013.3.4-033-000"2
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"Madam President, allow me to begin by congratulating my fellow Members and, in particular, the rapporteur, Mr Casa, on his excellent report and the superb work that he has brought before us here.
The report advocates simplifying and harmonising the value-added tax (VAT) system in the EU, which will lead to greater transparency and efficiency, as well as less bureaucracy and less fraud. In this way, we can improve the workings of the internal market and contribute to increasing competitiveness, which is much needed, in the euro area and the EU.
Combating VAT fraud is a priority. It is even estimated that this fraud could total up to EUR 100 billion. VAT receipts represent more than 21% of the Member States’ tax revenue, and is thus an important source of revenue for national budgets. In many of them, it is even the main source of funding.
If we have clear and unequivocal rules, we can advocate the neutrality principle and reduce the administrative burdens resulting from EU VAT legislation. Companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cannot bear the administrative costs that they incur by charging VAT. It is worth noting that SMEs represent more than 99% of companies and around 67.4% of jobs in the EU. In Portugal, SMEs represent 81.4% of the total number of jobs.
Countries receiving external assistance need to be alert and ensure that they act with particular and targeted solidarity, especially as regards taxes. These Member States have been obliged to increase their taxes and are now being called on to consider VAT exemption thresholds, and to set out lists of common goods and services eligible to benefit from tax exemptions or reduced taxes. This is the reason why I am urging particular solidarity and a focus of attention."@en1
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