Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2011-10-13-Speech-4-020-000"

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"en.20111013.3.4-020-000"2
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"Madam President, Commissioner, I would like to say a big thank you to the rapporteur, Mr Casa, who has done a truly excellent job. The Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe has an essentially positive view of the Commission’s Green Paper. Europe needs closer coordination of its VAT systems in order to be able to improve and strengthen the internal market. Our VAT systems differ far too much in the way they are organised and this creates obstacles for companies operating across national borders. Therefore, better coordination of VAT policy within the Union is necessary and we welcome the harmonisation of VAT rates. We support the idea of tax neutrality. Reducing labour taxes and increasing VAT in terms of certain VAT rates is a good idea. Individuals and companies must not be forced to take on increased tax burdens. It is also good that the report highlights the importance of looking closely into the consequences for regional and municipal autonomy with regard to the right of taxation in the event of a shift from direct to indirect taxation. This could be very important for several countries. As has already been said, we also need to limit the number of VAT exemptions, which create higher administrative costs and additional bureaucracy. However, I have to admit that there is one exemption that I am strongly in favour of, and which Mr Haglund also mentioned, and that is VAT exemption for non-profit making organisations. As you know, the European Commission initiated infringement proceedings against Sweden in the spring on account of tax exemption for non-profit making organisations. Together with MEPs from six Member States, I have tabled a joint proposal for VAT exemption for the non-profit making sector, and I am pleased that the proposal for national VAT exemptions for non-profit making organisations received such a high level of support in committee and from the rapporteur. This sends an important signal to the Commission that voluntary, not-for-profit work must be encouraged, not stifled. I would also like to emphasise the importance of all books and newspapers, regardless of their format, being treated in exactly the same way when it comes to setting VAT rates. I would like to thank the President and the Commissioner, and I wish the Commissioner luck with a difficult and challenging task."@en1
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