Main results The Council adopted a directive introducing a new system for resolving double taxation disputes between member states. The directive strengthens the mechanisms used to resolve disputes between member states that arise from the interpretation of agreements on the elimination of double taxation.  "This new system is a big improvement. It will encourage investment by creating a more favourable tax environment and reducing costs for businesses", said Toomas Tõniste, minister for finance of Estonia, which currently holds the Council presidency.  The Council adopted...

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The European Commission published today the 7th Cohesion report The European Commission published today the 7th Cohesion report, taking the pulse of EU regions, drawing lessons from cohesion spending during the crisis years and setting the scene for Cohesion Policy after 2020. Analysing the current state of the EU's economic, social and territorial cohesion, the Cohesion report shows that Europe's economy is bouncing back but disparities persist between and within our Member States. Without pre-empting the final proposal of the Commission on Cohesion policy...

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Speech - François VILLEROY DE GALHAU , Vienna Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank the Oesterreichische Nationalbank and my friend Governor Ewald Nowotny for having invited me today. A little more than one year ago, the full Governing Council of the ECB celebrated in this very place the 200th anniversary of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB). Today, your country is on the eve of important national elections‎. Throughout history, Vienna has been one of the centres of Europe, and Austria...

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The EU remains on a firm path towards more employment and growth according to the latest Quarterly Review on Employment and Social Developments in Europe. Employment in the EU continues to grow at a consistent pace and in almost all Member States. Employment increased by 1.5 % in the EU and 1.6% in the euro area in the second quarter of 2017 compared tothe same period in 2016.There are 3.5 million and 2.4 million more people employed in the EU...

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The European Commission has today launched plans for the biggest reform of EU VAT rules in a quarter of a century. The reboot would improve and modernise the system for governments and businesses alike. Overall, over €150 billion of VAT is lost every year, meaning that Member States miss out on revenue that could be used for schools, roads and healthcare. Of this, around €50 billion - or €100 per EU citizen each year - is estimated to be due to...

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Starting A Business Just Got Easier. Applications are now being accepted for the International Innovators Initiative (IN2NYC), a City-led program that helps international entrepreneurs expand or relocate their businesses to New York City. IN2NYC was designed for international entrepreneurs who exemplify the type of innovation that keeps New York City a competitive destination for businesses across industries. The initiative helps entrepreneurs who have started a business overseas and would like to relocate or expand their business to the United States. International...

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By Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic. Ministers, Members of Parliament, Prefect, Dean, University Presidents Ladies and gentlemen, I have come to talk to you about Europe. “Again”, some might exclaim. People will just have to get used to it, because I will not stop talking about it. Because this is where our battle lies, our history, our identity, our horizon, what protects us and gives us a future. “Already? Is it really necessary? ”, others might say. Because for them it is never...

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As announced by President Juncker in his letter of intent on 13 September, the European Commission is today proposing measures to preserve and strengthen the Schengen area. The Commission is proposing to update the Schengen Borders Code to adapt the rules for the reintroduction of temporary internal border controls to the current needs to respond to evolving and persistent serious threats to public policy or internal security. Stronger procedural safeguards are also being introduced to ensure that border controls at internal borders remain an exception...

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