The European Commission’s proposal for a 3% minimum tax on revenues of large digital companies such as the GAFAs (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon), has met with favour among ETUFs, as it ensures that digital value is taxed where it is created. By setting up subsidiaries in low-tax countries or exploiting tax havens, digital companies have been able to minimise tax on revenues generated in the EU.The EU has lost an alleged €5 billion in tax from Google and Facebook over the last three years. “Taxes should not be paid only by those who cannot evade them,” said ETUC Deputy General Secretary Katja Lehto-Komulainen, adding that “Increased tax revenue is, ultimately, in the interests of business itself as a higher total tax revenue can lead to a lower overall taxation.
