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Taxation and Customs Union

Mission statement

DG TAXUD has a critical role in supporting a swift economic recovery and the transition to a greener, digitalised and fairer economy in the EU. We work to ensure that taxation and customs deliver on the Union’s priorities and provide the revenues needed to fund European investment and growth.

We uphold the principle of fair taxation and strive for a simpler tax environment, in which businesses can innovate and grow. Modernising our tax policies and fighting tax abuse is a key way to boost public finances and stimulate investment, without burdening those hit by the crisis.   

We are committed to harnessing the potential of green and digital taxation, to provide new resources for Europe’s recovery and support the Green Deal and Digital Union. We also ensure that EU tax policy actively supports other high-priority policy objectives, given the impact of taxation on behaviours and consumption. 

The Customs Union – an exclusive EU competence – is essential to EU prosperity, with its dual role of facilitating smooth trade and protecting our citizens and businesses. We are committed to substantially modernising customs, in line with today’s realities, so that it is better equipped to protect our Single Market and budgetary resources. Exploiting the full potential of data analytics and innovative technologies and strengthening our cooperation with third countries is key to meeting the challenges of a globalised and digitalised world.

DG TAXUD works in partnership with EU Member States and businesses in delivering on all of our policies and priorities and promotes better and closer cooperation between Member States through its funding programmes. We work with third countries and international organisations to make our above-mentioned objectives a reality, influence international standards and reinforce the implementation of EU trade policy.