Belgian Fin Min: Differences Over Bank Levy, Transaction Tax
07.09.10, 13:57 Uhr
BRUSSELS -(Dow Jones)- European finance ministers Tuesday are near agreement on stronger sanctions for countries that violate European Union budget rules and closer scrutiny of total national debt levels, not just annual deficits.
But the governments are still divided over the issues of taxing banks and taxing financial transactions, EU officials and finance ministers said after their monthly meeting Tuesday.
"I must confess there is no unanimity at the moment on the details," said Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynders.
The commission will prepare a paper on the financial transaction tax to understand better the risks of the idea, EU Tax Commissioner Algirdas Semeta said.
"Now we have to work on possible solutions to mitigate these risks," Semeta added.
"I must confess there is no unanimity at the moment on the details," said Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynders.
The commission will prepare a paper on the financial transaction tax to understand better the risks of the idea, EU Tax Commissioner Algirdas Semeta said.
"Now we have to work on possible solutions to mitigate these risks," Semeta added.
DJG/dok
