Sven Giegold
Mitglied der Grünen/EFA-Fraktion im Europaparlament

Sprecher Europagruppe Grüne

Jean-Claude Juncker in the special committee: TAXE Disappointing and outrageous

This thursday, for the first time the president of the European Commission and former Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean-Claude Juncker had to answer the questions of the special committee TAXE of the European Parliament regarding tax dumping in the EU. Sven Giegold, Green economic and finance spokesperson, is disappointed about Juncker’s answers:

“Jean-Claude Juncker’s appearance in the joined ECON-TAXE Committee Meeting was a farce. He staged himself as the infallible advocate of fair tax policy. He denied any involvement and responsibility in the Luxembourg affairs, even though the system was put  in place at the time he was the Finance- and Prime Minister. He dismissed any criticism and showed no regret.

Juncker did not answer the question why the Commission withholds documents that are important for the work of the special committee. He handed over the question to Commissioner Pierre Moscovici and did not show any personal support. He treated several parliamentarians without respect.

We demand access to the documents of the code of conduct group on business taxation. Therefore, we have to extend the mandate of the committee in order to be able to analyze thoroughly these documents. If the documents are not made available, we need to establish an inquiry committee which can enforce the inspection of documents.

Today Jean-Claude Juncker clearly failed to gain back trust as guarantor of fair and just tax policy in the European Union.”

Link to the graph that shows the development of the Luxembourg tax haven under Junckers mandate: