December Plenary focuses on ‘Simplifying VAT to boost trade’

AmCham EU’s Customs and Trade Facilitation Committee hosted a plenary session on Monday, 5 December 2016 on the subject of ‘Simplifying VAT to boost trade’. The keynote address was delivered over lunch by Stephen Quest, Director-General, DG Taxation and Customs Union, European Commission.

The panel discussion, moderated by Walter Van der Meiren, Brokerage Division Manager, Europe Region, UPS, and Chair of the Customs & Trade Facilitation Committee, AmCham EU, featured:

·       Ana-Maria Caraman, Policy Officer, VAT Legislation, DG TAXUD

·       Bruno Basalisco, Managing Economist, Copenhagen Economics

·       Maurits Bruggink, Secretary General, EMOTA        

The engaging discussion focused on the European Commission’s recent proposal for modernising VAT for cross border e-commerce as part of the VAT Digital Single Market Package, published on 1 December 2016. Panelists reflected on the enhancement of the One Stop Shop process and the simplification of VAT, and considered the ways in which the proposal will reduce burdens on businesses and competition authorities in order for VAT to be collected in a more effective and fair manner.  

Please find photos from the event here.

For further information please contact Ava Lloyd, Policy Adviser (ava.lloyd@amchameu.eu).