WRITTEN QUESTION E-1534/02 by Gunilla Carlsson (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Corporate taxation in Estonia.
Date: 2002-06-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Estonia, corporation tax, tax law, tax system

C 52 E/76

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.3.2003

They therefore require as much information as possible on the experience of introducing the single
currency in the other European Union Member States, and comprehensive information which will help
them become fully aware of what action their countries need to take.

Can the Commission indicate what initiatives it has undertaken to make the above countries aware of the
consequences of introducing the euro in the other EU countries, and what campaign is it thinking of
conducting to make the populations of UK, Sweden and Denmark more receptive in order to facilitate
their entry into the euro zone?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(9 July 2002)

The three Member States outside the euro zone showed great
interest in the euro throughout the
information campaigns. For instance, representatives from the relevant ministries in the three Member
States attended coordination meetings held regularly by the Commission. Moreover, Sweden has followed
the twelve Member States belonging to the euro zone in signing partnership agreements with the
Commission to inform particular groups about the euro.

Press reviews indicate that, in the period after the introduction of euro notes and coins, media interest in
the three Member States outside the euro zone was strong and that the citizens of the three countries
showed considerable interest.

In accordance with the wishes of the national authorities and the advice of its Representations, the
Commission has not organised any special campaigns in the Member States concerned.

At the appropriate time (cid:1) which will be decided together with the authorities of the Member States
concerned (cid:1) the Commission will provide the same support and partnership in information campaigns as
it did in the twelve euro zone Member States.

The Commission does, of course, respond with written documentation to all requests for information from
individuals or organisations in Denmark, Sweden or the United Kingdom.

It believes that the summer holidays will offer the citizens of these Member States an opportunity to
familiarise themselves with (cid:1) and actually use (cid:1) euro coins and notes in the euro zone countries.

The Commission therefore plans to hold a Eurobarometer survey in September 2002 in the three Member
States outside the euro zone, to gauge public opinion on the euro after the holidays, when many people
will have come into contact with the single currency.

(2003/C 52 E/086)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1534/02

by Gunilla Carlsson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 June 2002)

Subject: Corporate taxation in Estonia

Estonia is a country which is protective of its corporate culture. A feature of this policy is that their rules
on corporate taxation do not provide for the taxation of money within companies, a system which differs
from other corporate taxation systems within the EU.

Does the Commission consider that it has the right to query Estonia’s rules despite the fact that corporate
taxation is not covered by Community legislation (the acquis)?

6.3.2003

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Official Journal of the European Union

C 52 E/77

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(5 July 2002)

The Commission has the duty, in the context of the enlargement discussions, to examine if Estonian tax
law is compatible with the EC Treaty freedoms and the specific provisions of Community legislation
relating to corporate tax in particular Council Directive 90/435/EEC of 23 July 1990 on the common
system of taxation applicable in the case of parent companies and subsidiaries of different Member
States (1), and Council Directive 77/799/EEC of 19 December 1977 concerning mutual assistance by the
competent authorities of the Member States in the field of direct taxation (2).

(1) OJ L 225, 20.8.1990.
(2) OJ L 336, 27.12.1977.

(2003/C 52 E/087)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1555/02

by Bob van den Bos (ELDR) to the Council

(3 June 2002)

Subject: EU aid to the Palestinians

According to the Israeli Government, the Palestinian Authority has misused EU aid funds to finance
terrorism. The Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad reported on 8 May 2002 that the European Union had
already been aware of the Palestinian Authority’s misuse of funding a year ago. Commissioner Patten was
said to have observed at that time that the use made of the EU funds was not being adequately monitored,
and he therefore sought the assistance of the IMF to improve supervision thereof.

Did the Council urge Mr Patten to seek the assistance of the IMF? If not, why not?

To what extent did the reports of possible misuse influence the Council last year in its relations with the
Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Government? What weight did these accusations carry in the EU’s
policy on the Middle East?

Will the Council step up monitoring of the aid provided by the Member States? If not, why not? If so,
how?

What will the Council do to prevent funding being misused by the Palestinian Authority for terrorism and
corruption?

If the misuse of
considering measures? If so, what?

funds for purposes of

terrorism and corruption has been proven,

is the Council

In what respect will the reforms which have been initiated within the Palestinian Authority also include
reform of financial management and supervision thereof? Will the Council urge the Palestinian Authority
to ensure that they do?

Reply

(5 November 2002)

is also aware of a number of
Like the Honourable Member of the European Parliament, the Council
statements and media reports regarding the misuse of EU assistance to the Palestinian Authority but never
comments on public declarations or media reports. Nevertheless,
in this specific case, because of the
seriousness of such allegations and the possible impact on the credibility of the EU, the Council has been
in touch with Commissioner Patten on this, including at the last General Affairs Council on 17 June 2002
in Luxembourg. According to the Commission there is no evidence so far for such abuse. As in the past