Hearing of Algirdas Šemeta - taxation and customs union, audit and anti-fraud

Tackling fraud and reducing spending errors, improving the code of conduct for Commissioners, harmonising the corporate tax base and VAT calculation rules, pushing forward "green" taxes and electronic customs - these are some of the issues addressed during the hearing of the Lithuanian commissioner-designate Algirdas Šemeta. If confirmed, his duties will include taxation, customs, audit and combating fraud.

Members of the EP committees on budgetary control, economic and monetary affairs as well as the internal market questioned the commissioner-designate about the future status of the EU Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), control of EU spending in Member States, combating VAT fraud and dealing with tax havens. Mr Šemeta reassured the MEPs that "efforts to tackle fraud, both in the field of EU expenditure as well as taxes or customs duties, will always be at the centre of my attention."