EU changes tax and customs assistance for member states

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EU changes tax and customs assistance for member states

The European Commission hopes to boost the effectiveness of the Internal Market by reforming how the EU supports cooperation between customs and tax authorities.

The FISCUS initiative amalgamates two separate programmes for tax (Fiscalis 2013) and customs (Customs 2013). It will run for seven years from January 1 2014 with a budget of €777.6 million ($1.1 billion)

Cooperation will mean country-specific assistance where that is needed, networking, joint actions and training, and the funding of IT investment

The FISCUS programme aims to protect the financial interests of the EU and member states, facilitate trade, ensure the safety and security of EU citizens, improve the capacities of customs and tax authorities, and implement relevant EU legislation. In particular, the commission wants to use the programme to combat fraud, reduce administrative burdens and cooperate more with third countries.



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