Blog: This is the rentrée! - Hoofdinhoud
Greece, Taxation, Economic and Monetary Union, my rentrée - as we call it in France - follows a key principle: we have to act quickly and decisively. My first 10 months as European Commissioner were intense and the momentum must be sustained.
Greece, Taxation, Economic and Monetary Union, my rentrée - as we call it in France - follows a key principle: we have to act quickly and decisively.
Greece, Taxation, Economic and Monetary Union, my rentrée - as we call it in France - follows a key principle: we have to act quickly and decisively. My first 10 months as European Commissioner were intense and the momentum must be sustained. I refuse to “export” to Brussels an unfortunate habit, which some see as typically French: over-preparing public policies and then disregarding their implementation as soon as the ink is dry. The consistent, precise and determined implementation of my priorities this autumn will be the key to a successful rentrée. This is the message I gave to my team these last few days.
Greek authorities gave clear signals in recent weeks but the current momentum must continue after the elections on 20 September.
First, Greece. The agreement reached on 13 July and the start of a new programme on 14 August, though admittedly demanding and imperfect, turn the page on uncertainty and open a new page of resolution. The challenge now is simple: to avoid replaying the same drama, with the same discussion on a yet another bail-out plan for Greece, with the same tensions. This implies that the Greek authorities take ownership of the programme, that they do not consider it as exogenous and that they effectively implement it. They gave clear signals in that sense in recent weeks but the current momentum must continue after the elections on 20 September.
What is the role of the Commission, and my role in particular, in the period ahead? To ensure the success of these reforms in the interest of the Greek people, continue the dialogue with Athens, provide technical assistance, assess compliance with the agreed commitments, prepare the negotiations with the Member States on the sustainability of Greece’s debt, and — this is particularly important to me — guarantee political accountability on the progress made, in particular to the European Parliament. Greece will therefore remain an important part of my work.
Turning to taxation. Two major files will have to be agreed by European governments in the coming months:
On the automatic exchange of information on tax rulings, my aim is for an agreement to be concluded by December.
The first file, for which I made proposals in March 2015, on the automatic exchange of information on tax rulings, may seem technical. It is in fact a full-scale test of the political will — or lack thereof — of the Member States to reduce financial secrecy. My aim is for an agreement to be concluded by December, with the support of the Luxembourg Presidency. I would not be understanding of any procrastination by Member States on this, as it is a simple text that is legitimately expected by European citizens. Therefore, I will stand firm.
As regards the financial transaction tax (FTT), the implementation is in the hands of the 11 Member States who have chosen to move forward together on this file. The Commission - which I represent at the table - now takes part in the discussions as a mediator and negotiator. Contacts have been intensified since the beginning of this year; the political will was enhanced to reach a comprehensive agreement as soon as possible. This proposal — even with a modest tax rate — remains key to restoring fiscal justice and paving the way for enhanced cooperation in taxation, an area ruled by unanimity. I will be deeply engaged in it.
We are entering an implementation phase to deepen the economic and monetary union (EMU), which is crucial for the future of the euro area.
Last but not least, we are entering an implementation phase to deepen the economic and monetary union (EMU), which is crucial for the future of the euro area. Few citizens are aware of the proposals of the so-called "five presidents" report on the EMU, published in June. However, their implementation begins immediately after the summer break. These issues are existential for our continent and our economies. Why was the euro created if not to make us stronger together? How can we further strengthen our Economic and Monetary Union in an ever more integrated global economy? How can we ensure that our economies converge rather than drift apart? We need to answer these questions.
Implementation does not mean automatic implementation of the report, which opens a very important debate on the future of the single currency. My conviction is that the euro was born of the conjunction of two principles: discipline and solidarity. Today, a new ambition can and should bring our monetary union to a more advanced stage, bearing in mind these two guiding principles. With a first phase of convergence and growth, and with a second phase of solidarity and democratic renewal, including lessons learnt from the Greek crisis.
I have for years been supporting better governance of the euro area.
I have for years been supporting better governance of the euro area. It should be based on a ‘government’ with its own budget, which could be mobilised to reengage the process of convergence between the economies of the EMU, under the authority of a finance minister of the euro area, who should in my view, be a member of the European Commission. The democratic side is also vital, and I I support a Eurozone parliament to increase the legitimacy of the decisions taken.
These rentrée priorities are not exhaustive. I will contribute to the proposals on climate finance and I will work towards calling for common sense - not to say elementary humanity - in the approach to migration, which requires a European response, in line with our core values.
This Commission is committed to delivering results, to fulfilling its promises, and to maintaining the political momentum throughout its mandate.
This Commission is committed to delivering results, to fulfilling its promises, and to maintaining the political momentum throughout its mandate. My rentrée is heavy, carefully organized around priorities. Progress in some cases does not always depend on me. But my political commitment to carry them out, in accordance with the reformist principles that have always be mine, was further strengthened by the short summer break.
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