Finance Minister Edward Scicluna replies to MEP questions before the Economic and Financial Committee of the European Parliament (ECON)
25.01.2017
Finance Minister Edward Scicluna replies to MEP questions before the Economic and Financial Committee of the European Parliament (ECON)
“..Minister Scicluna stressed the importance
of the European Fund
for Strategic Investment
(EFSI) and said that the
Presidency is looking
forward to engage on
both the Structural
Reforms Services
Programme, as well as
the mid-term review of
the European
Investment Bank’s
external lending
mandate.”
Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna appeared before the Economic and Financial Committee of the European Parliament (ECON) in his capacity as President of the Council of Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN). Minister Scicluna had served as Vice-Chairman of the ECON for four years when he was a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).
In replying to questions put forward by a number of MEPs, Minister Scicluna addressed various issues ranging from Brexit, taxation, banking regulations, the Capital Markets Union, and the promotion of investment within the EU.
With respect to statements made by a number of MEPs regarding Malta’s tax system, the Minister reiterated the fact that the Maltese taxation regime could not be compared to a classical tax system. He stated that the Presidency is determined to promote sound fiscal policies, investment, and structural reforms for the benefit of the economies within the EU. He reiterated that the EU and the euro area both need a well-functioning Banking Union, as well as a Capital Markets Union. While calling for the bolstering of confidence in the Banking Union, the Maltese Presidency will be making as much progress as possible on the legislative proposals regarding the Capital Markets Union Action Plan.
With regard to investment, Minister Scicluna stressed the importance of the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) and said that the Presidency is looking forward to engage on both the Structural Reforms Services Programme, as well as the mid-term review of the European Investment Bank’s external lending mandate. He also noted that the Presidency is ready to start discussions over changes to the European Venture Capital Funds and European Social Entrepreneurship Funds, and is also looking forward to receiving proposals from the European Commission on Fintech regulation, including Blockchain and
crowdfunding, and personal pensions
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