The Netherlands recently published the programme for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the coming six months. Among its priorities in tax matters are plans to tackle corporate tax avoidance based on the package of measures agreed as part of the OECD’s BEPS project in October 2015.

During the Netherlands Presidency the Commission will come forward with a proposal for the conversion of OECD BEPS measures into European legislation. The Netherlands Presidency will also see further discussion on the inclusion of a minimum effective taxation clause in the Interest and Royalties Directive.

The Commission is scheduled to publish an action plan for a more effective VAT regime, including VAT on cross-border transactions within the EU.

According to the published programme, the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) will be discussed again during the Netherlands Presidency if the leading group of member states that have opted for closer cooperation in this area agree on a proposal for a Directive.