[autom.vertaling] Resultaten van Informele Vergadering van Economie en Ministers van Financiën, Stresa dertiende September 2003 (en)
Reduced rates of VAT
Over breakfast in Stresa, Italy on 13th September, Ministers discussed the Commission proposal of July 2003 for simplifying the rules on reduced rates of VAT (see IP/03/1024 and MEMO/03/149). The proposal is designed to afford all Member States an equal opportunity to apply reduced rates in certain fields currently restricted to just some Member States (e.g. restaurants, housing and the supply of gas and electricity) and to rationalise the numerous derogations currently applying in some Member States. The objective is to improve the functioning of the internal market and avoid potential distortions of competition, which have given rise to numerous complaints from traders.
Speaking after the meeting, Taxation Commissioner Frits Bolkestein stated:
"It has become clear that Ministers' views vary widely. Some Ministers consider that the Commission's proposal is too generous in terms of allowing reduced rates to continue. Other Ministers consider that the Commission's proposal is too strict and that more reduced rates should be allowed. Still other Ministers think that the Commission has struck the right balance."
"But I should like to stress that this is just the beginning of the negotiations. I am hopeful that we reach a satisfactory outcome by the end of this year, when the temporary reduced rates on labour intensive services will come to an end."
The proposal is due to be discussed at the Council of Economics and Finance Ministers on 7th October in Luxembourg.