EPSU reacts with disbelief to EU Council of Ministers’ discussion to remove countries from the tax haven blacklist

(17 January 2018) Just one month after the Council adopted a black list of countries that qualify as tax havens, the European Parliament revealed that Council discusses the removal of 7 countries from this list. This includes Panama which was a hub for corporations and the wealthy to avoid paying their taxes in EU countries. Supported by the tax avoidance industry, these companies and rich people undermine public funding for social security, public services and people’s pensions.

The EPSU General Secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan says “ The discussion in Council to remove countries from the black list of tax havens just one month after the decision is a scandal. If this becomes true, it will be a blow to the credibility of the Council and even more to the European Union and its institutions in the fight against tax avoidance. This has broader implications. Compare the speed with which governments change this list with the lack of progress on dossiers that would protect workers against social dumping. Women are waiting for the same speed to tackle the gender pay gap. What a shame”.

Proposed Council decision

For the EP Press release condemning the Council

For the original tax haven list

For EPSU proposals regarding tax havens