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EuroCommerce files complaint in Brussels against retail tax in Slovakia.

04 2019 Feb

13:22

EuroCommerce has filed two complaints with the European Commission against a new tax for retailers created by the Slovak government.

The tax, applicable only to retailers owned by foreign companies, implies a payment of 2,5% on net turnover. The government aims to raise approximately 87 million euros in this way.

According to Christian Verschueren, Director General of EuroCommerce, this law “ is part of a broader and growing trend of protectionism and populist policies against retailers, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. It aims to protect local operators and drive out foreign companies. These countries benefit greatly from the single market, but they don't apply its rules when it is politically convenient for them .”

According to EuroCommerce, the tax is incompatible with European Union law, as it excludes national retail chains and is discriminatory in nature.

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