CFE welcomes the ECJ Eqiom judgment. In an international context where the fight against tax avoidance and aggressive tax planning is intensifying, it is important to preserve the fundamental principles of a balanced tax system: free choice of the least taxed route, legal certainty, respect of the principles concerning the burden of proof etc. In this respect, the Court appears to be the guardian of these rights. In line with its previous decisions and upholding the fundamental ideas of the Internal Market, the ECJ in Eqiom and Deister and Juhler clearly confirms that Member States may neither employ general presumptions of abuse nor define any tax planning or structuring as abusive in light of secondary EU law or the fundamental freedoms.
We invite you to read the Opinion Statement and remain available for any questions or comments that you may have.