Agenda of ECOFIN meeting on 10 March 2026
On 10 March 2026, the EU Finance Ministers will hold their next meeting. Based on the preliminary agenda, the Council is expected to hold a policy debate on measures to further integrate EU capital markets and strengthen financial supervision, as part of broader work on the EU’s savings and investment union agenda. In addition, the Council is expected to adopt decisions under the Recovery and Resilience Facility and a recommendation relating to a national medium-term fiscal-structural plan under the economic governance framework. Ministers will further exchange views on the economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and review the state of play of EU financial services legislative proposals. Additionally, the Council is expected to reach a political agreement on the Council Regulation on access of EPPO and OLAF to VAT information at EU level, proposed by the European Commission on 14 November 2025. It has been reported that the Cypriot Presidency proposed a revised compromise text limiting OLAF’s access to VAT information under articles 36 and 49 of the draft Regulation, restricting it to targeted case-related searches, while leaving the EPPO access unchanged. Based on the draft agenda, the next meeting of the ECOFIN Council will take place on 5 May 2026.
ECJ clarifies retroactive application of the WHT exemption under the Interest and Royalties Directive
On 5 March 2026, in its judgment in Case C-828/24, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) clarified the application of Directive 2003/49/EC on the common system of taxation applicable to interest and royalty payments made between associated companies of different Member States (Interest and Royalties Directive-IRD). The case concerned the refusal by the Czech tax authorities to grant an income tax exemption on royalty payments for earlier tax periods on the ground that the application had been submitted too late. The Court held that the IRD allows the source Member State to grant an exemption, by decision under article 1(12) of the IRD, for a period preceding both the exemption decision itself and the submission of the attestation and supporting information required by the tax authorities. The ECJ further found that the IRD does not lay down any time limit for providing that attestation and supporting information, nor does it impose a limit on how far back such an exemption may apply. According to the Court, article 1(15) of the IRD, which concerns repayment claims where tax has already been withheld, does not govern exemption applications under article 1(12) of the IRD. The judgment therefore confirms that any such procedural time limits must be determined by national law, subject to the general principles of EU law.
ECJ rules on the VAT treatment of in-game virtual currency, loyalty programmes, and accommodation services
On 5 March 2026, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) delivered several judgments clarifying the application of Directive 2006/112/EC (VAT Directive) to different types of transactions. In Case C-472/24, the Court ruled that the exchange of virtual currency used exclusively within an online video game does not qualify for the VAT exemption for transactions concerning currency under article 135(1)(e) of the VAT Directive. As the virtual currency cannot be used outside the game and forms part of an electronic service provided within the game environment, transactions involving its exchange for real currency are subject to VAT under the general rules. In Case C-436/24, the ECJ held that customer loyalty points awarded under a retail loyalty programme do not constitute “vouchers” within the meaning of article 30a of the VAT Directive. The Court found that such points merely allow customers to obtain additional goods as a bonus when making a further purchase and do not create an obligation for the supplier to accept them as consideration for goods or services. In Case C-409/24, the Court confirmed that Member States may apply a reduced VAT rate selectively to specific aspects of short-term accommodation services under article 98 of the VAT Directive and Annex III, point 12. Accordingly, national legislation may exclude ancillary services such as breakfast, parking or wellness facilities from the reduced rate where those services do not directly serve the accommodation itself, provided that the principle of fiscal neutrality is respected.
European Commission highlights tax-related measures in new gender-equality strategy 2026-2030
On 5 March 2026, the European Commission presented its Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030, outlining actions to promote gender equality across economic, social and policy areas in the EU. From a tax perspective, the Strategy notes that the 2022 revision of the VAT Directive allows Member States to apply reduced or zero VAT rates on female hygiene products, although such reduced rates cannot be targeted to specific income groups. The Commission therefore indicates that Member States may complement VAT reductions with more targeted measures, such as providing menstrual products free of charge to facilitate an exchange of best practices among Member States on measures addressing menstrual and menopause poverty. The Strategy also acknowledges the national tax systems can influence labour and market incentives and contribute to the gender employment gap, which remains around ten percentage points in the EU.
First EU intergenerational fairness strategy considers impact of tax systems and fiscal policy across generations
On 5 March 2026, the European Commission adopted its first Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness, which aims to integrate long-term considerations into EU policymaking and ensure that current decisions do not place disproportionate economic burdens on future generations. From a tax perspective, the strategy emphasises that choices relating to public finances, fiscal systems and wealth distribution will play a key role in determining whether future generations inherit stronger economic opportunities or increased constraints. In particular, the Commission notes that inequalities in wealth distribution and differences in wealth and inheritance taxation can influence how economic advantages or disadvantages are transmitted between generations, highlighting the relevance of fiscal policy in shaping intergenerational mobility and fairness. The strategy also underlines the importance of sustainable pension systems and sound public finances, stressing that policies must balance adequate income security for older generations with long-term fiscal sustainability to avoid shifting financial burdens to younger cohorts.
The Platform for Collaboration on Tax marks 10th anniversary at Tax and Development Conference
On 2-3 March 2026, more than 200 senior officials and tax experts representing around 100 countries gathered in Tokyo for the Platform for Collaboration on Tax and Development Conference. The conference marks the 10th anniversary of the Platform for Collaboration on Tax (PCT), a joint initiative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank Group (WBG) that aims to strengthen international co-operation and supports countries in developing more effective tax systems. In a concluding statement issued after the event, participants highlighted key discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Domestic Revenue Mobilisation (DRM). Discussions emphasised the importance of modern, fair and reliable tax systems in supporting inclusive growth and sustainable development, while noting the continuing difficulty many countries face in reaching tax revenues of 15% of GDP, a benchmark referenced in the PCT’s 2025 report to the G20.
OECD and IISD sign Memorandum of Understanding on tax co-operation
On 4 March 2026, the OECD and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening their co-operation on domestic resource mobilisation. The agreement was concluded on the margins of the Platform for Collaboration on Tax’s 2026 Conference on Tax and Development, held on 2-3 March 2026 in Japan. It formalises a collaboration that began in 2018 under the BEPS in Mining Programme and establishes a framework for continued joint working supporting developing countries, particularly in the extractive sector and international taxation. Under the MoU, the organisations will further address BEPS-related risks in mining, strengthen the fiscal and administrative frameworks, and support the implementation of international tax reforms. The partnership will also cover issues such as the design and use of tax incentives, as well as emerging topics including environmental taxation and carbon pricing. Through this co-operation, the OECD and IISD aim to contribute to more effective and sustainable tax systems and improve management of natural resource revenues in developing countries.
The 2026 OECD Global Forum report highlights role of tax transparency in domestic revenue mobilisation
On 5 March 2026, the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes published its 2026 Capacity-Building Report, outlining progress in supporting jurisdictions in implementing international tax transparency standards. The report notes that capacity-building activities reached record levels in 2025, helping jurisdictions strengthen the use of exchange of information tools to combat tax evasion and illicit financial flows. According to the report, since 2009 the implementation of tax transparency standards has contributed to the identification of around EUR 135 billion in additional revenues, including EUR 48 billion by developing countries, highlighting the growing role of international tax co-operation in strengthening domestic resource mobilisation.
OECD roundtable on the implementation of the CBAM
On 17 March 2026, the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration will hold a roundtable on the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The event is organised in the framework of the project “Support for the implementation of green taxation and CBAM in Romania”, funded by the European Union through the Technical Support Instrument and implemented in co-operation with the European Commission and the Romanian Ministry of Finance. Discussions will focus on the practical experiences and approaches related to the compilation, reporting and verification of information required under Regulation 2023/956 (CBAM Regulation) among practitioners from EU CBAM National Competent Authorities (NCA), Customs Authorities, other regulatory and border agencies, as well as representatives from the private sector. The event aims to facilitate the exchange of operational insights and support consistent implementation of the mechanism across relevant stakeholders. In-person attendance is limited to one representative per organisation, and prior registration is required for both in-person and online attendance.
