Algirdas Šemeta has been proposed as the incoming European commissioner for taxation, customs union, audit and anti-fraud.
The Lithuanian is already a member of the European Commission. He has been commissioner for financial programming and the budget for the last five months and is a former minister of finance in his home country.
"I believe that tax and customs issues are at the core of Europe's internal market," Šemeta said after his nomination today. Tax policy is about bringing benefits to citizens and business at EU and international level.
"We need to close the "missing links" in the internal market to realise its full potential," Šemeta added. "In my view, by working to simplify procedures and eliminate obstacles, tax and customs policy can play a key role in achieving this goal".
If the nominee passes a confirmation hearing at the European Parliament in the new year, he will succeed László Kovács, a Hungarian, on February 1 as the member responsible for taxation and customs issues in the new commission.
More to follow...
