eurealist.co.uk

M&S ECJ

ECJ has said Marks & Spencer Group must prove it was discriminated against in U.K. law to win a refund of value-added tax it says was wrongly charged on its teacakes.

Did we not used to have a British High court

Tax Dispute between Switzerland and EU

The EU is insisting that Switzerland changes its tax regime by arguing the 1972 Free Trade Agreement between Switzerland and the European Community was applicable with regard to certain cantonal company taxation regulations. The Swiss Federal Council has consistently rejected the EU’s interpretation, considering it to be unfounded, and has consequently refused to enter into negotiations.

The Federal Council holds the view that:

* The tax provisions criticised by the EU do not fall within the scope of the Free Trade Agreement (The Free Trade Agreement only covers trade in certain goods and does not aim to harmonise competition law);
* Switzerland is not an EU member, or part of the Single European Market, and that therefore neither the competition regulations of the EC Treaty - in particular those on state aid - nor the code of conduct agreed between the EU member states on company taxation are applicable to it;
* The tax provisions criticised - even if they were covered by the FTA - do not represent state aid as they do not favour certain companies or sectors of production, but are in fact open to all economic actors that meet the legal criteria;
* The provisions do not prejudice the bilateral trade in goods between Switzerland and the EU because the types of company concerned in Switzerland have no, or at most subordinate, business operations which are taxed normally.

And the British Prime Minister begs the EU to be allowed to lower VAT

Protests as Austria ratifies EU Treaty

The Austrian Parliament voted to approve the Lisbon Treaty, rejecting calls from two minority far-right groups to hold a referendum on the matter.

I like the EU spin in the paragraph:

Ireland is the only country now certain to hold a referendum, which could take place on 12 June. Other countries have opted to let their Parliament decide on the issue.

Other Parliments have decided not to allow their voter a choice might have been more accurate.

EU Commission sets about controlling Aid

The European Commission on Wednesday urged European governments to submit detailed plans on how they intend to provide billions in aid to halve world hunger by 2015.

EU Commission president, Jose Manuel Barroso, said EU member states should set out clearly what they are prepared to spend on aid, year by year, until 2015,

Then of course the EU claims The EU remains by far the biggest donor in the world, with each EU citizen providing, on average, EUR 93 (CHF 147) in aid each year, compared with EUR 53 (CHF 84) donated by citizens in the United States and with EUR 44 (CHF 70) donated by the Japanese. Factually the EU is donating nothing in these figures. we are individually and through the nation state the EU counts the money we donate and then falsely claims it has donated that amount.

France push for common EU corporate tax

After the German plans to push forward the EU Constiuion now The French government aims to push plans for the introduction of a common corporate tax when it takes over the six-month rotating presidency of the EU in July.

Finance Minister Christine Lagarde told reporters this week the proposal for a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base was an idea the French ‘are determined to push’.

They can push as much as they Like with our Gordon looking our for our interests nothing will happen?

EU Parliment Leader interfering in Irish Referendum

Hans-Gert Pöttering is in Ireland on propaganda mission to back the yes vote in the Irish Referendum expected on June 12. More EU interference expected soon.

Croatia is working to become the 28th member of the EU by 2010

Oh Goody another excuse for yet another Treaty

MEPs show no respect for our referendum

For more than 30 years now, various surveys have highlighted the democratic deficit that prevails in Brussels and, as a result, we’re constantly told, the EU will gradually become more democratic.

But it’s not happening. Hence the great reluctance in Brussels to allow referenda in member states on the treaty.

We, the Irish electorate, deserve to be told what’s going on in Brussels in our name. Why is our media not telling us? How did each of our MEPs vote on this amendment? I am incensed that this is all going on behind my back not only on this issue, but on all issues.

Welcome to the gang Anne

POT KETTLE BLACK

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso is calling for a swift transition to democracy.

EU rule may cost Scotland many of its ice rinks

Ice skaters in Scotland face the loss of many of their venues because of increased costs arising from new EU rules aimed at protecting the ozone layer.

Economics have already forced the closure of some of the country’s biggest rinks, and the industry faces further depletion before the Commonwealth Games come to Glasgow in 2014.

Many will have to replace their plant to phase out the use of the refrigerant R22, whose manufacture leads to a high level of ozone depletion.

Probably the fault of the English!

Slovak MPs pass media law, set clash over EU treaty

Former prime minister and leader of the largest opposition party, said ‘This law clearly limits the freedom of speech and limits democracy in Slovakia, and that if it beomes law the party will opose the EU Treaty.

And WE do not get a vote because we might vote on somthing other than the contents of the threaty.

Robert Mugabe not answering his phone