Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-03-30-Speech-2-094"
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"en.20040330.4.2-094"2
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".
On 1 January 2004, we saw the entry into force of Directive 2003/96/EC, restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity. This amendment seeks to ensure that the new Member States have longer exemption periods given the risk they face of a sudden increase in the cost of living. We believe, however, that the issue goes deeper and we object to the directive on three grounds:
Firstly, harmonised energy taxation is not a fundamental prerequisite for a well-functioning Internal Market. Tax competition does have its benefits but, more importantly, this is an issue of tax sovereignty, with far-reaching implications for a State’s social and environmental choices and tax structure. This is why the Member States have submitted many requests for exemptions.
Secondly, increasing the lowest rates will lead to higher costs of living, especially for workers and for the least well-off members of society. It will introduce factors for injustice and fail to penalise those who consume most heavily. This is the nature of fixed rates and direct taxation.
Thirdly, what is needed is not to shift tax from labour towards environmental ‘use’, the price for which is always passed on to the consumer. The burden does need to be shifted but to the ‘use’ of capital, otherwise, taxation will remain unfair."@en1
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