Semeta reaffirms commitment to reform EU VAT

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

Semeta reaffirms commitment to reform EU VAT

Algirdas Šemeta, European Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud will propose broad objectives for the future VAT system by the end of the year.

Šemeta, speaking at the FEE Tax Day 2011 Brussels, pointed out that the present system is too complex and in need of reform, though he was quick to manage expectations as agreement among member states on tax policy is notoriously difficult.

“Whilst expectations are high, several respondents indicated that there is also a need to remain realistic,” he said. “Member states are understandably unwilling to take any risks with this tax, accounting for 21% of national revenues in the EU.”

The full text of his speech can be found here.

more across site & shared bottom lb ros

More from across our site

Partners at both firms have voted in favour of the tie-up, which marks ‘the largest law firm merger in history’
The latest edition of Taxing Times with ITR covers all the controversy from a dramatic period for the carve-out deal, and also dissects the big four's AI strategies
Hany Elnaggar examines how the OECD’s global minimum tax is reshaping PE concepts across the GCC, shifting the focus from formal presence to substantive economic activity
The combination between Ashurst and Perkins Coie, which will create a $2.8 bn law firm, is expected to close in Q3
The ‘highly regarded’ Stephanie Pantelidaki, who has big four experience, will be based in the firm’s London office
A co-operative working relationship with the UK tax agency has helped 'unblock entrenched positions' to the benefit of clients, Kara Heggs tells ITR
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
Gift this article