The European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) has taken a new decisive step in the fight against cross-border VAT fraud, approving with 88% of the vote and without any negative votes the report of MEP (DISY/EPP) and rapporteur Michalis Hadjipantelas on strengthening cooperation between the European network Eurofisc, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
The report aims to tackle cross-border VAT fraud more effectively, which deprives the public coffers of the European Union Member States every year, by strengthening the exchange of information and cooperation between the relevant European authorities.
The adoption of the report by the ECON Committee is an important milestone in the legislative process and paves the way for the final debate and vote in plenary of the European Parliament.
Mr. Hadjipantela expressed his satisfaction with this important result, thanking his colleagues for voting in favor of the report. As he mentioned, through this legislative initiative, the European Union's tools against cross-border tax fraud are substantially strengthened.
"This was preceded by a long period of consultations and contacts with European institutions and competent bodies, in order to formulate a balanced text that gathers broad political support and responds to the modern challenges of combating VAT fraud."
At the same time, the report ensures full respect for data protection rules and the fundamental rights of citizens, striking the necessary balance between the effective fight against fraud and the protection of the rights of European citizens.
