European Parliament's TAXE special committee visits Switzerland

22.05.2015 in Bern, the State Secretary for International Financial Matters, Jacques de Watteville, received a visit from a delegation from the European Parliament's TAXE special committee. The talks focused on the international reform process regarding corporate taxation, the work undertaken in Switzerland in this area, as well as Switzerland's commitment within the framework of the OECD.

The state secretary reminded the delegation that Switzerland is contributing actively to the OECD's efforts within the scope of the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project. He emphasised the need to create a level playing field and fair competitive conditions for all business locations with the development and implementation of international standards for corporate taxation. More generally, he pointed out that these issues require comprehensive analysis and that account also has to be taken of the problem of the direct state aid which is granted in many EU member countries and which adversely affects the competitive conditions.

The Special Committee on Tax Rulings and Other Measures Similar in Nature or Effect (TAXE) is an ad hoc committee appointed by the European Parliament to analyse the ruling practices of EU member states and third countries.