In view of on-going discussions on taxation rules in the Digital Single Market, EIF will organize a debate on “Taxation in the Digital Economy”. This debate will review and discuss policy issues related to the taxation of businesses operating within the digital economy, and the speakers will each present a different perspective on the subject.

For Tax Authorities, the digital economy creates new challenges in designing taxation systems. For the business community it is important that these challenges do not become an obstacle to investment, innovation, and the creation of new businesses and jobs.

The EIF breakfast will also review the consequences for cross-border businesses of handling heavy regulation and complex taxation systems. Being faced with different tax systems within the digital single market can make it more difficult to launch new businesses, to invest, and to operate in more than one Member state. Most digital companies and start-ups demand rules that are more conducive to cross-border trade, and easier to implement.

The emergence of a digital economy poses many challenging questions on taxation which the EIF debate will attempt to answer. Finding these answers is crucial, as taxation is one of the most important issues in the digital environment today.