From 1st July to 31st December 2010, it is Belgium's turn to take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Presidency has announced its programme of priorities. Tax priorities include continuing discussions on methods for the reform of levies on savings income, the extension of third party exchange of information agreements, and the modernisation of the general VAT system and combat of fraud.
According to the reasonably detailed programme published by the Belgians:
- Their Presidency will continue discussions on methods for the extension and improvement of levies on savings income within the European Union and with regard to third-party countries. The Council will attempt to reach an agreement with non EU member countries on cooperation and the exchange of information with regard to direct taxation and on broad approval of good governance principles concerning taxation.
- The Presidency will continue the work of “Code of Conduct” groups in the field of business taxation.
- VAT reform and the combating of tax fraud will be “encouraged”. This will involve examining insurance and financial services, postal services, travel agencies and the use of the reverse charge rule in combating fraud.
- There is the customary nod towards Green taxes.
See here for full details of the programme: