edward222

hhhmmm, whats your opinion about this guys?

amideislas

Federalism.

But the European project can never succeed until it becomes a defacto federal republic with all the trimmings. It's simply a fact.

Most federal republics have incubated more naturally, largely with the support / blessings of the population. Many find it a little unnerving that the EU so often appears to be engineered federalism which too oft appears to bypass democratic process in favour of political benefits (or beneficiaries).

The question is, is such 'social engineering from afar' ever going to be palatable to such divergent societies? It certainly hasn't gone without political controversy so far, and the shoutin' is far from over.

iano

Addressing cross-border Corporate tax evasion and avoidance ? All for it.

amideislas

This is merely another step towards a common tax platform to eliminate tax competition between member states - under the guise of "eliminating unfair tax avoidance'.

It's difficult to impose the world's highest taxation when there are more attractive alternatives right next door. The object is to make it 'fairer' by eliminating any alternatives, so that everyone pays the world's highest taxes (well, except for those that it doesn't apply to, of course).

bigglesworth

BEVS

and your own opinion ?

Bytheway.

I am awaiting a communication from you.

InVinoVeritas

Yup, this feels like a thread started for the wrong reasons.

edward222

Well, as amideislas said, it is another step for eliminating unfair tax avoidance.
Almost every government attempted to stop tax avoidance. Sad to know that still, it didnt stop.

edward222

In what way by the way?

amideislas

Well, it won't ever stop because its a necessary evil in high-tax jurisdictions (and frankly, tax loopholes facilitating it are by design, not mistake).

When tax eclipses trade as the basis for an economy, then things get dicey. As you can see.

edward222

hhhhmmm I agree,
But if tax loopholes are designed, then why do they keep on chasing those people who
use that loop hole as an advantage?

amideislas

Its called politics. The European tax system relies mainly on individual taxpayers and small business. The loopholes weren't designed for foreign companies. They are designed to support politically-favoured European mega-corporations who employ thousands of (captive) European taxpayers.

You might notice that American companies are the convenient scapegoats. But in truth, European industrial giants top the list of those benefiting from it.

It's a necessary evil. If corporations were taxed as individuals are, they'd simply leave for greener pastures, leaving behind lots of tax consumers instead of taxpayers. Not to mention that tax would equal or eclipse trade as the basis for the economy. And in that case, what do you do? Tax tax?

edward222

I agree with this

I see all relationships as political and what is generally referred to as 'politics' as having usurped that, boxed it, and a reflection
of the controlling structures that label themselves as the haven of politics giving it a dirty name in the process.

Well, I'm not really good at taxes <snip>

BEVS

Your choice. PM or BE email. Winkety Wink.