Growth and green tax shifting in an era of fiscal consolidation
The debate on greening tax policies is gaining strength in the EU, and reflects the importance of the issues of tax, economic policy and environmental policy in Europe and also in the wider World.
The 2008-2009 financial crisis was met with strong stimulus packages, most of them being of a fiscal nature. Our economies are still reeling from the crisis and the recovery observed everywhere in Europe is slow and fragile.
But neither the stimulus packages nor the stability pact appear to be directly related to climate problems. The climate challenge still requires a substantial reduction in emissions of greenhouse gas emissions. Measures are also listed by Member States in the EU plan 20/20/20.
That is why Belgian Secretary of State Bernard Clerfayt has decided to organize a symposium on environmental taxation under the Belgian Presidency of the European Union. The central theme of this symposium will be the “Growth and green tax shifting in an era of fiscal consolidation”.
This symposium aims to encourage tax reform and use new and greener tax policies as an answer to the transnational priorities of the 21st century: environment, climate and jobs. The symposium will review best taxation practices in Member States, taking environmental factors and objectives into account while helping to reduce the tax burden on labor.
This event with European dimension is open to social and economic actors, NGOs, trade unions and employers, as well as to scientific experts, and of course administrations and ministerial cabinets affected by these tax issues.