EU changes tax and customs assistance for member states

International Tax Review is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Garden, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

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.



more across site & shared bottom lb ros

More from across our site

New hires from rivals are reportedly being axed from the firm, following a steep decline in profits
Following Richard Houston’s switch to the newly formed Deloitte EMEA, Graves has the opportunity to bring Deloitte’s tax practice up to speed with its rivals
Firms announced tax hires and promotions across Europe and the US, while fresh figures from Ireland showed corporation tax receipts edging down in the first quarter
The country has overseen better audit procedures and demonstrated commitment to acting as a 'regional leader' on international tax matters, the OECD said
Barrister Setu Kamal and policy guru Dan Neidle have clashed over the former’s legal action against Google, described as ‘bonkers’ by Neidle
Authors from Khaitan & Co evaluate the recent CBDT notification, whereby legacy investments made by investors continue to be exempt from the applicability of GAAR
Dual-qualified corporate tax specialist Christoph Schimmer joins the firm after stints at Deloitte, Cerha Hempel and DLA Piper
Geopolitical rivalry is reshaping global tax cooperation, as the OECD’s minimum tax framework fragments and the EU grapples with the ensuing legal fallout
LED Taxand’s partner tells ITR about entrepreneurial inspirations, the importance of people skills, and what makes tax cool
Shiny new offices like Ryan’s in London Bridge aren’t just a cost – they signal that a firm is willing to align with its clients’ interests
Gift this article