EU Taxation

The EU wants pan-European taxation

Daniel Hannan
The EU tends to move in five-year cycles.
In my first mandate (1999-2004) the big idea was the integration of home affairs, including criminal justice, civil law, immigration and visas.
In the next (2004-2009) it was the adoption of a European Constitution.

This time, the big idea is tax harmonisation.

Europe’s President, Herman Van Rompuy wants “common economic governance“. Some Commissioners are fantasising about an EU income tax. Even the more moderate ones want some form of direct Brussels revenue, either in the form of EU eco-taxes or of a levy on banks. To them, the Greek crisis is a Heaven-sent opportunity.

The problem with their scheme – and you shouldn’t have to be a Euro-sceptic to see this – is that tax harmonisation will consign the EU as a whole to slower growth and higher unemployment.

All the elements are in place for a European tea party: taxes are high and rising, and will soon be set by rulers who are beyond our votes. I shall be speaking at the first British Tea Party in Brighton next week; details to follow.
Original article... HERE

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