Commission Updates Info On EU Tax Blacklists

The European Commission has compiled an updated list of third countries that feature on the tax blacklists of European Union member states.

The new list reflects changes in member states’ assessments of third countries’ standards, corrections to national lists, and Estonia’s decision to withdraw all countries from its blacklist. The initiative is part of the EU’s agenda against corporate tax avoidance. The Commission is aiming to introduce more transparency surrounding national blacklisting processes across the EU and encourage third countries to engage with member states on tax good-governance matters.

The Commission’s ultimate goal is to develop a common approach to the listing of third countries. This would give member states “collective strength in addressing risks to their tax bases and provide greater legal certainty for businesses and international partners.” The Commission has begun discussions with member states to this end, and intends to present a wider strategy against external risks of tax avoidance in 2016.