Reforms of the Customs Unions : what is the Commission putting foward ?

Extensive and in-depth preparatory work over the last number of years has focused on the best way for EU Customs to tackle existing and expected future challenges. For example, the Future of Customs in the EU 2040 report, carried out by the Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) reflected on the Customs Union's future, relevance and long-term effectiveness.In 2022, the High-Level Wise Persons Group on the...

Focus on the OECD project Net zero+

The OECD’s Horizontal Project on Climate and Economic Resilience is using the multidisciplinary reach of the OECD to support governments in driving the swift transformational change needed to tackle climate change.​12 steps for governments were proposed to build climate and economic resilience and accelerating climate actions​ The​ reportClimate policy making today demands balancing the need for immediate, accelerated climate action with essential responses to punctual...

EU Taxonomy Navigator

Published bij the Commission, the EU Taximony Navigaor is a simple and practical guide for users : this user-friendly website offers a series of online tools to help users better understand the EU Taxonomy in a simple and practical manner, ultimately facilitating its implementation and supporting companies in their reporting obligations.The EU Taxonomy Navigator offers three tools to help you navigate the...

State of Schengen: achievements and key priorities ahead

On 16 may, the Commission is presenting the second State of Schengen Report. This report is part of the Commission's initiative to further reinforce the Schengen governance through a yearly reporting exercise presenting the state of Schengen, identifying challenges and best practices, as well as priority areas for action. The State of Schengen Report will serve as basis for political discussions and steer at the...

AI Act: a step closer to the first rules on Artificial Intelligence

To ensure a human-centric and ethical development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Europe, MEPs endorsed new transparency and risk-management rules for AI systems. Before negotiations with the Council on the final form of the law can begin, this draft negotiating mandate needs to be endorsed by the whole Parliament, with the vote expected during the 12-15 June session. On Thursday 11 may the Internal...

Corruption as an obstacle to development

The Council approved on 4 may 2023 conclusions highlighting the importance of incorporating a strong anti-corruption perspective in all development efforts.The negative economic impact of corruption is estimated to equal nine times global Official Development Assistance (ODA). Corruption erodes democracy, trust in institutions, the rule of law and the realisation and enjoyment of human rights. It is also a key obstacle to eradicating...

Stronger rules to fight corruption in the EU and worldwide

On the 3 may the Commission is taking decisive action to fight corruption in the EU and worldwide, delivering on the commitment made by President von der Leyen in her 2022 State of the Union address. The anti-corruption proposals presented represent a milestone in the fight against corruption at national and EU level. The Commission will step up its action: building on measures in...

Double blow for workers as inflation drives real wages down and labour taxes up

A new OECD report shows how high inflation led to rising effective tax rates in a majority of OECD countries in 2022, as rising nominal wages pushed workers into higher tax brackets and reduced eligibility for tax credits and cash benefits. Taxes on labour increased in 2022 as rising nominal wages pushed workers into higher tax brackets and reduced their eligibility for tax credits and...

Supporting SMEs to Get Tax Right

Published on April 03, 2023, from the latest in the Supporting SMEs to Get Tax Right series, this report examines effective communication strategies that tax administrations can use to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in fulfilling their tax obligations. It analyses the various tools and channels available to tax administrations and their respective roles. `The report draws on examples from the OECD Forum on...

Is Education Losing the Race with Technology?

​Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are ushering in a large and rapid technological transformation. Understanding how AI capabilities relate to human skills and how they develop over time is crucial for understanding this process. In 2016, the OECD assessed AI capabilities with the OECD’s Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC). The present report follows up the earlier study, collecting expert judgements in 2021 on whether...

New EU measures against money laundering and terrorist financing

OECD Policy Framework on Digital Security

​The OECD has been at the forefront of international efforts on guiding policy makers in the area of digital security since 1990 and has become the primary international standard setter in this area. OECD Recommendations on digital security support stakeholders in developing digital security policies for economic and social prosperity, in line with the OECD’s mandate to help governments develop “better policies for better lives”.​...

Covid and its possible long-term economic impacts

The Institut économique Molinari publishes a short report indicating Covid could significantly reduce potential growth (early withdrawal from the labor market, lower growth in exposed sectors) while increasing collective costs (health spending, early retirement, etc.). While a great deal of uncertainty surrounds this subject, many studies indicate that the phenomenon deserves attention as the economic and social consequences could be significant. There is a risk...

EU agrees 10th package of sanctions against Russia

​The Commission welcomes the Council's adoption of a 10th package of sanctions against Russia and those that support it in its illegal aggression against Ukraine. 24 February marks one year since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and 9 years since the beginning of Russia's illegal invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory. This package is turning up the pressure in response to Putin's brutal war, including...

Public consultation meeting on compliance and tax certainty aspects of global minimum tax

As part of the ongoing work of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS (Inclusive Framework) to implement the Two-Pillar Solution to Address the Tax Challenges Arising from the Digitalisation of the Economy, the Inclusive Framework invited input from stakeholders on compliance and co-ordination aspects of the Pillar Two global minimum tax. This public consultation meeting will discuss the input provided to assist members of the...

OECD Tax and Development Days 2023: watch the replays !

​The third edition of the OECD Tax and Development Days convened over 4000 tax experts from international organisations, governments, business and civil society, to provide an update on some of the OECD’s initiatives to strengthen tax capacity and improve tax policy and compliance in developing countries. If you missed the event, you can access the replays in English, French and Spanish.​Watch the replays : don't...

Fit for 55: zero CO2 emissions for new cars and vans in 2035