The opinions of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) are always a source of interesting information and comment as they frequently address BR issues (see this blog's EESC category).
Recently, the EESC has issued two opinions which aim to reduce the number of cross border difficulties experienced by European citizens and businesses. In the opinions, the EESC promotes the importance of a transparent, yet smoothly functioning system to instil confidence in citizens and businesses when dealing with cross border matters.
- Improving the single market for services: Services are the main driver of the EU economy and according to the Commission this sector accounts for around 70% of EU GDP. In recent years, there has been a marked shift to knowledge based industries. The opinion agrees that greater integration and a better functioning of service markets should enhance EU competitiveness. The EESC is positive about the “points of single contact” system, which facilitates easier access to country specific information in each Member State, but raises concerns about drawing conclusions from the screening too soon, and withouth taking account of the new treaty.
- Cross border tax problems: the opinion assesses the Commission’s plans to tackle the cross border tax problems that citizens and businesses face. The EESC recommends the establishment of one-stop shop services, whereby citizens can obtain information, pay taxes and receive the necessary documentation to be used across the whole EU. It also calls for a simplification of the administrative procedures applied to cross-border situations, to be undertaken on a bi-lateral and multi-lateral basis across Member States and the establishment of an independent Cross-Border Taxation Observatory with specific resources and functions clearly entrusted to it.
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