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Europaudvalget 2012-13, Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2012-13
Det Europæiske Råd 22/5-13 Bilag 3, UPN Alm.del Bilag 209
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Ref. Ares(2013)1023941 - 08/05/2013

Brussels, 08/05/2013

Dear colleagues,

We will meet in Brussels on 22 May to discuss two important and topical issues -

energy and tax fraud and evasion. Since time for debate will be limited I felt it would

be useful to send you some background information on both topics in advance of our

meeting.

As you will see from the enclosed information, although the energy mix differs

considerably from one Member State to another, all are facing similar challenges.

We can tackle these challenges better together. Energy prices differ considerably

across the EU, because our market is fragmented. Failure to tap into the benefits of

energy efficiency means businesses and consumers pay more than they need for their

energy supplies. We have part of the solution to high energy prices in our hands - if

we complete our internal energy market and implement existing legislation. Our

discussion should build on February 2011 conclusions and take our policy forward. I

will suggest some policy orientations at our meeting.

Absolutely crucial to this is the completion of a fully-functioning, interconnected and

integrated internal energy market which is central to Europe's competitiveness and

must not be fragmented.

It is now urgent to complete the transposition and implementation of the third energy

package. In the same vein, we must take urgent steps to facilitate sustainable private

and public investment, including on EU-level, in our energy infrastructure, the

internal energy market's backbone across borders. Furthermore, we must continue to

strengthen our internal and external diversification of supplies. This includes tapping

new international sources and speaking with one European voice on global energy

matters. It also requires a more coordinated approach between Member States on the

positive rise of renewables, and a balanced, Union-wide approach on using the

potential of unconventional hydrocarbons.

All of this is critical to enhance the competitiveness of our business, boost sustainable

growth, respond to the shifts in the global energy landscape and keep rising energy

prices in check We need to act urgently, in line with previous European Council

conclusions, and give a political push at the highest level.

A second issue - tax fraud and evasion - is rapidly gaining importance in public

debate and for good reason. At a time offiscal consolidation Member States are not

To the Members of the European Council

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maximising the tax revenue they could have and the issue of fairness is squarely on

the agenda. The enclosed background note illustrates the need for Member States to

decide on key proposals on the Council table such as the Savings Tax Directive and to

make more intensive use of the policy instruments that are already available including

an ambitious implementation of the Commission's Action Plan on strengthening the

fight against tax fraud and tax evasion and the two Recommendations on tax havens

and aggressive tax planning.

Over several years, the EU has put the principle of automatic exchange of

information at the heart of its approach. It is important to extend this to all forms of

income. Therefore I am pleased to announce that the European Commission will

present a legislative proposal to extend the scope of automatic exchange under the

Administrative Cooperation Directive. This will ensure the full and consistent

coverage of all relevant types of income across all Member States. And building on

EU arrangements, collectively we should agree on a strong and coordinated EU

position in the G8, G20 and OECD so that automatic exchange of information

becomes the new global standard.

I look forward to discussing these important issues with you at our meeting.

José Manuel BARROSO