EPP Group wants 'black list' of uncooperative companies

21.06.2018 12:25

EPP Group wants 'black list' of uncooperative companies

Offshore legal services provider Appleby and Baker McKenzie refuses to appear in Tax Evasion Committee

"The lack of cooperation by certain companies raises doubts about whether they have something to hide," said Dariusz Rosati MEP, the EPP Group's spokesman in Parliament's Special Committee inquiring into Financial Crimes, Tax Evasion and Tax Avoidance, today.

Rosati denounces the refusal of offshore legal services provider Appleby and Baker McKenzie to testify in the European Parliament. "Their refusal to explain murky tax practices is unacceptable. We are for tax transparency."

"I suggest setting up a black list of uncooperative companies who disregard the European Parliament, the representative of 500 million european citizens," said Rosati. The black list should publicly shame such companies and deny them and their representatives access to EU institutions.

"I appreciate that the representatives of Nike and McDonalds came to today's committee meeting to discuss their alleged aggressive tax planning. However, many of the answers were vague and general, and they refused to provide us with more specific data," explained Rosati.

Rosati calls on the international luxury group Kering and technology giant Apple to reconsider their stance. "So far Kering and Apple have not accepted the invitation to the European Parliament, but they seem to be open to further cooperation. They should come," Rosati said.

Kering owns luxury brands including Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Brioni.

"The work of the EPP Group and the EU on tax transparency contributed to a change of certain practices. Some companies have already shut down their offices in tax havens in order not to risk their public image," Rosati stated.

Note to editors

The EPP Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 219 Members from 28 Member States

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