1. Preparations for the European Council meeting (22 May 2013)
Council and Commission statements
[2012/2805(RSP)]
2. Fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax havens
Report:  Mojca Kleva Kekuš (A7-0162/2013)
Report on Fight against Tax Fraud, Tax Evasion and Tax Havens
[COM(2012)0722 -  - 2013/2060(INI)]
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
3. Annual tax report: how to free the EU potential for economic growth
Report:  Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz (A7-0154/2013)
Report on the Annual Tax report: how to free the EU potential for economic growth
[COM(2012)0756 -  - 2013/2025(INI)]
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
• Bluecard question: Liisa JAAKONSAARI MEP (Finland), Socialist group (S&D)
Speech transcript:
"Thank  you. Well there is a great degree of unity here this morning, with a  common enemy - rich people, successful companies evading tax, which of  course is a problem.
Avoiding tax, which is not illegal, but it gives this whole chamber this morning a high moral tone.
And  as Mr Barroso says it is all about the perception of fairness. Because  there is the added bonus of course that it drives a wedge between the  United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and the Caymans. 
But before we declare our virtues, perhaps we ought to look just a little bit closer to home.
And  I hope that the taxpayers all over Europe listen to this. If we look at  the EU officials who work for the European Commission and the European  Parliament, the highest category [the most common grade is AD12] are  people that earn a net take home pay of just over 100 thousand pounds a  year. And yet under EU rules they pay tax of 12 per cent. It is tax  fraud on an absolutely massive scale. 
And Mr Barroso I would say  to you, how can that be deemed to be fair? How can people out there  struggling - the 16 million people unemployed in the eurozone - how can  they look at these institutions, not only paying people vast sums of  money but allowing them tax and pension benefits on a scale not seen  anywhere else in the world? So I suggest we have a bit less of this high  moral tone.
And what have these officials given us? Well, they  were the architects of the euro, which is a complete disaster. Their  obsession with global warming which chimes very strongly here means we  are despoiling our landscapes and seascapes  with these disgusting wind  turbines and driving up energy prices. 
But never let it be said  that I cannot acknowledge success when I see it. And I am sure the  citizens of Europe will all clap and cheer loudly that the grave, mortal  danger of olive oil in dipping bowls has been removed by the officials.  Well done everybody."
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Video source: EbS (European Parliament)