(EPSU Press Communication, 14 December 2012) On 12 December 2012, the European Parliament voted by an overwhelming majority in favour of enhanced cooperation on a financial transaction tax (FTT).
EPSU welcomes the vote that gives the green light to at least 11 countries to implement a FTT - Germany, France, Italy, Estonia, Spain, Greece, Slovakia, Belgium, Austria, Portugal and Slovenia.
Amongst them, the FTT is expected to raise €37 billion annually. The revenue should contribute to quality public services and the common good in and outside Europe.
"The vote is a clear signal to Council to go ahead so that the real work can start on the Commission’s proposal. We expect a broad and ambitious proposal with strong anti-avoidance rules.” says EPSU general secretary Carola Fischbach-Pyttel.
The vote comes on the heels of a recent report by a group financial experts that confirms the benefits of a FTT for citizens including pensioners and for a sustainable financial market.
“This is also good news for the 1000 delegates at the Congress of EPSU’s International organisation, PSI, who rallied last November to call for the introduction of a Robin Hood Tax across the world” added Mrs Fischbach-Pyttel.
For more information contact : Pablo Sanchez, 0032 474 62 66 33 [email protected].
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