Brussels, 17 June 2015 -- Today the Commission presented an Action Plan to fundamentally reform corporate taxation in the EU. The Action Plan sets out a series of initiatives to tackle tax avoidance, secure sustainable revenues and strengthen the Single Market for businesses. Collectively, these measures will significantly improve the corporate tax environment in the EU, making it fairer, more efficient and more growth-friendly. Key actions include a strategy to re-launch the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) and a framework...

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The Capital Markets Union (CMU) should boost the efficient allocation of savings to fund businesses, protect cross-border investors and create a new channel to finance the real economy, said economic and monetary MEPs in a resolution on Tuesday. They want CMU building blocks such as diverse investment choices, risk mitigation and clear investment information across the EU to be in place by 2018 to complement bank financing The economic and monetary affairs committee want to see a balanced approach under...

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Introductory statement by Mario Draghi, President of the ECB | Brussels, 15 June 2015 Mr Chairman, Honourable members of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to be back to this committee for my regular hearing. Today, I would like to share with you the ECB’s assessment of the current economic and monetary conditions in the euro area. I will then touch on the subject chosen for our exchange of views, namely the risks and...

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European Council | Council of the European Union The presidency briefed ministers on the state of play on the proposals for a telecommunications single market (roaming and net neutrality) currently being negotiated with the European Parliament. MAIN RESULTS: Telecommunications Telecommunications single market The presidency briefed ministers on the state of play on the proposals for a telecommunications single market (roaming and net neutrality) currently being negotiated with the European Parliament. The telecommunications single market proposal was also discussed by ministers at an informal breakfast...

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The EU needs better tools to protect EU intellectual property in third countries, say MEPs in a resolution voted on Tuesday. They ask the EU Commission to look into appropriate means and methods to this end. In a separate resolution, also voted on Tuesday, they also advocate assessing and adjusting intra-EU rules to combat online breaches of intellectual property rights (IPRs). The "commercial nature of many IPR infringements" and the "growing involvement of organised crime" pose a serious threat...

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The Council discussed the new digital single market strategy and adopted conclusions on the digital transformation of European industry. MAIN RESULTS: I. Digital single market: the digital transformation of European industry The Council discussed the new digital single market strategy and adopted conclusions on the digital transformation of European industry. A number of important aspects were highlighted, including the importance of targeting areas where action is needed for the digital transformation of industry and of encouraging the development of digital entrepreneurship, especially...

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Brussels, 26 May 2015 -- Today, the European Commission is launching the European Smart specialisation platform on energy, which will support regions and Member States in using Cohesion Policy funding more effectively for promoting sustainable energy. The Platform will help regions to share their expertise on sustainable energy investments and especially on the deployment of innovative low-carbon technologies. By supporting the optimal use of Cohesion Policy funds for sustainable energy projects, the Platform will directly contribute to the European Energy...

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