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The framework of EU direct tax directives is undergoing significant changes, affecting businesses and individuals throughout Member States. These directives are designed to harmonise tax policies, address tax evasion, and maintain fair competition within the EU. Awareness of these developments is important for compliance and effective tax planning. This edition provides an overview of recent updates and their effects on different stakeholders.
From 1 July to 31 December 2025, Denmark holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, succeeding Poland. Denmark's priorities include advancing tax cooperation and digitalisation to streamline tax systems and boost compliance across the EU. The Danish Presidency will prioritise efforts to address tax evasion and tax avoidance, aiming to support fair taxation internationally.
Since the publication of the Draghi report (a 2024 report on the future of European competitiveness), there has been increased scrutiny on the overall competitiveness of the European Union.
The European Commission’s 2025 work programme focuses on simplifying EU legislation and reducing administrative burdens, though the practical implications remain to be seen. No new tax initiatives are expected in 2025, but proposals may emerge in 2026-2027 as part of plans for new budget revenues. While several tax proposals have progressed recently, only the FASTER directive has been implemented.
At the Ecofin meeting on 20 June 2025, the Council adopted conclusions regarding a tax simplification and decluttering agenda aimed at supporting EU competitiveness. The conclusions request that the European Commission review regulations with overlapping objectives to reduce reporting and administrative requirements. Member States emphasised minimising administrative burden and allowing adequate time for transposing new legislation. Some Member States stated a preference to finalise current tax initiatives prior to initiating new tax directives.
The Commission has published its Clean Industrial Deal Communication, emphasising the importance of corporate tax policies as essential tools to achieve its goal of making decarbonisation a catalyst for growth within European industries. In July 2025, the European Commission issued a Recommendation on the Clean Industrial Deal, accompanied by a targeted framework designed to simplify state aid regulations for clean industrial investments. This Recommendation, which serves as a soft law instrument, builds upon the broader Clean Industrial Deal introduced in February 2025 and aims to streamline state aid procedures alongside tax policy initiatives to expedite the deployment of renewable energy and other clean technologies.
Our objective is to deliver clear and concise insights regarding these developments. Whether you are a tax professional, business owner, or have an interest in EU tax policies, our newsletter will ensure you remain updated on key developments and practical measures for adaptation. Expect expert analysis and actionable recommendations to assist you in effectively navigating the EU's direct tax framework.
Pillar Two
Overview
After the G20/OECD released the Global Anti-Base Erosion Model Rules (Pillar Two), setting a 15% minimum effective tax rate for multinationals, the European Commission introduced a directive on December 22, 2021, to implement these rules across EU member states. This move reflects the EU's commitment to the swift adoption of the OECD/G20 agreement. So far, 138 countries have agreed to incorporate Pillar Two into their national laws, with many already enacting relevant domestic legislation.
Current State of Play
Several EU Member States, such as Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Sweden, have amended or are amending their minimum tax laws to include new Administrative Guidance elements (such as Safe Harbour provisions and anti-hybrid rules) and to correct earlier rules.
On June 26, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that an agreement had been reached with the G7 countries—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom—to exclude U.S. companies from Pillar 2. This development allows the U.S. Congress to rescind the previously threatened retaliatory tax measures under Section 899.
The agreement outlines a “side-by-side” solution whereby U.S.-parented groups may be exempt from both the Income Inclusion Rule (IIR) and the Undertaxed Profits Rule (UTPR), recognising the existing U.S. minimum tax regulations applicable to such entities. The objective is to acknowledge the U.S. Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) regime, now formally designated as Net CFC Tested Income (NCTI), as consistent with Pillar 2, thereby permitting its parallel operation. It is important to note that the G7 statement does not constitute a final resolution; negotiations within the OECD Inclusive Framework are ongoing to revise the rules to incorporate this side-by-side approach for both Pillar 2 and the U.S. minimum tax.
On 15 July 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for the EU to halt the global minimum corporate tax plan due to a lack of US involvement, while Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil quickly reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to the deal the very next day. This highlights ongoing volatility as the Pillar 2 debate continues.
Businesses should maintain compliance with current obligations until clearer guidance is available.
Grant Thornton is an international network with global Pillar 2 specialists available to assist you with both the implementation of Pillar 2 and all your Pillar 2 compliance obligations.
Unshell Directive (ATAD 3)
Overview
On 21 December 2021, the Commission proposed the "Unshell" Directive (ATAD3) to prevent the misuse of shell entities for tax purposes by amending Directive 2011/16/EU. The proposal introduced three gateways—passive income, cross-border activities, and outsourced management—that EU companies must pass to prove sufficient substance. Exemptions would apply to certain entities such as listed companies, insurance firms, and pension funds.
EU companies lacking substance would be classified as 'shell companies' and might lose specific tax benefits if they fail to rebut this presumption or secure an exemption.
After three years of negotiations, the EU Council under the Polish Presidency officially dropped the Unshell Directive, confirming the decision on 20 June 2025.
Current state of play
At the ECOFIN meeting held on 20 June 2025, EU Member States generally supported addressing the objectives of the proposed Unshell Directive—enhancing tax transparency and limiting aggressive tax avoidance—through targeted amendments to existing legislation, particularly the DAC6 framework. Delegations noted that future solutions should minimise additional administrative requirements, in line with current efforts towards simplification. Further scrutiny may be undertaken once the Commission completes its analysis and presents a potential legislative proposal regarding DAC. Therefore, the Council agreed not to continue reviewing the Unshell proposal.
This approach is consistent with ongoing initiatives to simplify taxation procedures and reduce complexity, aiming to lower administrative effort, implementation costs, and duplicate reporting for Member States and taxpayers. The majority of EU Member States endorsed this strategy.
Stakeholders are encouraged to monitor forthcoming legislative developments, especially those concerning possible changes to DAC6 hallmarks to include criteria related to entities used for tax purposes.
Securing the Activity Framework of Enablers (SAFE)
Overview
The SAFE proposal seeks to stop enablers from creating tax schemes outside the EU that reduce Member States' tax bases, targeting tax evasion and aggressive tax planning.
The Policy options considered are:
- Due diligence to be undertaken by all enablers;
- Prohibition on facilitation of tax evasion and aggressive tax planning, plus due diligence to be undertaken, and a requirement for EU registration;
- Code of conduct for all enablers.
Current state of play
The timeline for the Unshell proposal remains uncertain. The Commission requires agreement on the Unshell Directive before advancing the SAFE initiative, but no formal wording exists for the SAFE proposal. With the discontinuation of the Unshell directive, further discussion may not occur, and it could be withdrawn. Nevertheless, according to the EU schedule, the proposal is still under discussion.
Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation (BEFIT)
Overview
The European Commission introduced the BEFIT proposal on 12 September 2023. This initiative established a unified set of rules for determining the tax base of large businesses operating in multiple Member States. The new regulations would be mandatory for groups with a combined global annual revenue of at least €750 million, where the ultimate parent entity holds at least 75% ownership rights. BEFIT groups will align with the composition of Pillar Two groups but will be restricted to EU entities.
For groups headquartered outside the EU, their Union subgroup will be subject to BEFIT rules only if they achieve at least €50 million in combined revenues in two out of the four preceding fiscal years or if this represents 5% of the total group revenues.
Smaller groups may apply the rules at their discretion, provided they prepare consolidated financial statements.
Current state of play
As of mid-2025, several EU Member States remain concerned about the BEFIT proposal—specifically its effects on national taxation sovereignty, future tax revenues, and administrative burdens. The June 2025 ECOFIN report acknowledged these ongoing issues, particularly with how BEFIT interacts with existing frameworks like national corporate tax laws and Pillar Two rules, despite the aim to simplify tax regulations.
Some states are calling for political discussions, while technical analysis of the proposal continues in preparation for broader policy debates.
Additional analysis and technical assessment are required to identify the subsequent actions in these negotiations. The proposed implementation date remains 1 July 2028, with no modifications introduced during the Danish Presidency.
The negotiation process for the BEFIT proposal may require a significant amount of time, as unanimous agreement from all Member States is necessary for adoption. The Danish Presidency of the EU Council in the latter half of 2025 has not included BEFIT in its work program, indicating that the initiative is not specifically highlighted during this period. Monitoring any further developments is advisable.
Video - BEFIT, One Stop Shop?: Sasha Kerins, International Tax Partner at Grant Thornton Ireland, and Monique Pisters, Head of Tax at Grant Thornton Netherlands, discuss BEFIT, the proposed directive introduced by the EU Commission.
Head Office Tax (HOT) System
Overview
The BEFIT proposal from September includes a Head Office Tax (HOT) system for SMEs. This would let eligible SMEs use their head office Member State's tax rules to calculate liability and file one tax return there. Both the return and tax revenues would then be shared with Member States where they have permanent establishments.
Current state of play
On April 10, 2024, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the proposed Head Office Tax (HOT) Directive, expanding its scope to include subsidiaries in addition to associated companies. Eligibility still relies on revenue comparisons, but the turnover review period has increased from 2 to 3 years, and the HOT regime's duration was extended from 5 to 7 years.
Several Member States believe a general discussion is needed before further technical work, with concerns that HOT may allow businesses to seek tax advantages despite anti-abuse measures. As of mid-2025, no further action has been taken, and the directive remains unimplemented.
Since there is currently no timeline for when the proposal will be scheduled for adoption, meeting the 1 January 2026 deadline may be difficult, as EU member states generally require approximately 8–9 months to implement the directive into national law.
Transfer Pricing
Overview
A proposal for a Directive on Transfer Pricing is included in the BEFIT Package with the aim of harmonising transfer pricing rules across the EU. The European Commission notes that the application of OECD guidelines varies between Member States, and while there is a common understanding of basic principles, these are not entirely consistent. The Directive would incorporate the arm’s-length principle and its interpretation from the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines (2022) into the legislation of all EU Member States.
The proposal introduces anti-abuse provisions and is intended to improve tax certainty, minimise the risk of litigation and double taxation, and limit the potential for tax planning strategies involving transfer pricing.
Current state of play
On April 10, 2024, the European Parliament adopted a resolution regarding the proposed Transfer Pricing (TP) Directive. Notably, the resolution does not incorporate a dynamic reference to the OECD guidelines, instead retaining the 2022 version. It recommends that Member States utilize the procedures outlined under the Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC) for executing corresponding adjustments.
Deliberations within the EU indicate that the proposal, in its current form, lacks sufficient Member State support. Consequently, additional development will be necessary to establish a foundation for potential progress.
A significant number of Member States advocate for the creation of a Commission-led transfer pricing platform based on consensus, which would address practical matters and recommend non-binding solutions in alignment with the OECD framework. While some Member States sought an expanded mandate for the platform—including political commitment and a review mechanism—no consensus was achieved on these points.
With limited Member State support and low priority from the Danish presidency in late 2025, significant progress on the proposed directive is unlikely.
Debt Equity Bias Reduction Allowance (DEBRA)
Overview
The proposal introduces a tax allowance for company equity increases and limits on the deductibility of interest payments. The equity allowance is calculated as the increase in net equity over the year, multiplied by a notional interest rate, and can be deducted for up to 10 years.
The proposal limits interest deductibility to 85% of a taxpayer’s excess borrowing costs. It applies to all corporate income taxpayers in Member States, including permanent establishments of entities based in third countries. Anti-tax avoidance measures are also included to prevent misuse.
Current state of play
The DEBRA proposal has seen little progress and remains on hold. Although referenced in the BEFIT proposal's Explanatory Memorandum, BEFIT did not incorporate DEBRA elements. On January 16, 2024, the European Parliament approved a resolution with amendments to the DEBRA directive; while these are not binding, they must be considered by the EC and member states.
The 2025 Commission work program still lists DEBRA as active, and the Commission has recently urged Member States to advance it, aiming to boost EU savings and investment.
However, as of mid-2025, there have been no major updates, and the directive is still marked as ‘blocked’ in the EU schedule.
Faster and Safer Tax Excess Refund for Withholding Taxes (FASTER)
Overview
FASTER is an initiative to streamline the EU's withholding tax (WHT) system for dividends and interest, while helping tax authorities prevent treaty abuse.
Key measures include:
- Standardised EU digital tax residence certificates (eTRC)
- Two fast-track WHT refund options: relief at source and quick refund
- Standardised reporting for financial intermediaries like banks and investment platforms
Current state of play
The Council adopted the proposal on 10 December 2024, and the text was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 10 January 2025. On 14 May 2024, Council ministers reached consensus on the proposal.
Member States are required to transpose the directive into national legislation by 31 December 2028, with national rules set to apply from 1 January 2030.
Video - Faster directive revises the withholding tax regime in the EU: Monique Pisters outlines FASTER, a new directive to create a faster and simpler process for investors, financial intermediaries, and tax authorities.
The DACs
The European Commission has initiated a 'Call for Evidence' concerning the operation of the Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC) during the period 2018-2022, specifically excluding DAC7 and DAC8. This initiative encompasses an evaluation of the directive’s scope and objectives, its relevance, effectiveness in meeting intended goals, and an efficiency and cost-benefit analysis. Additionally, the Call for Evidence incorporates a survey directed at Member States regarding pertinent hallmarks identified in DAC6.
The European Commission is anticipated to finalise its ongoing review of the DAC directive in the coming months, subsequent to its earlier consultation on the directive’s performance over 2018–2022. A public consultation was conducted from 7 May to 30 July 2024.
As part of this evaluation, the Commission is assessing whether the objectives and scope of the DAC continue to be appropriate and whether the directive effectively meets the requirements and challenges faced by Member States. The assessment also involves a review of the usability of exchanged information, with particular attention to its completeness, quality, and timeliness.
The main concerns of the respondents regarding the DAC6 evaluation are the following:
- No alignment across EU Member States of the interpretation of the different DACs’ definitions;
- No harmonisation of penalties across EU Member States;
- Limited information shared by tax authorities, including, for example, statistical filing information and the contents of the filings;
- Trigger dates for reporting under DAC6 are not practical and unclear in most cases;
- The application of the main benefit test should not be limited to a few hallmarks. Most respondents argue that the main benefit test should be extended to other hallmarks (like E3).
Reporting Obligation for Digital Platforms (DAC7)
Overview
DAC7 requires Digital Platform Operators to gather information on reportable sellers using their platforms for Relevant Activities and to report this information annually to the competent tax authority. This authority will then automatically exchange the information with other relevant Member States.
Platform operators enable sellers to offer goods, services, and property rentals through their platforms, which may include websites and mobile applications. In addition, platform operators are required to inform sellers active on their platform about the data disclosed to local tax authorities.
Current state of play
The first reporting obligation for Platform Operators was due on 31 January 2024.
Sellers who were already active on the platform before 1 January 2023 (so-called 'existing sellers') did not have to be reported for the first time until January 2025.
On November 18, 2024, the European Commission introduced an initiative to establish standardised forms and digital formats for the exchange of statistical data between EU member states regarding DAC7.
The legislation is effective as of the date of publication, hence calendar year 2024 is the first reporting period affected, requiring all platform operators to report DAC 7 data by 31 January 2025.
For businesses in scope, qualifying platform operators will need to keep track of the different reporting procedures in EU countries.
Directive on Exchange of Information for Crypto-Assets and E-money (DAC8)
Overview
DAC8 introduces updated tax reporting and information exchange rules for e-money, crypto-assets, and cross-border rulings involving high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), along with new penalties and compliance measures. The directive is based on the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) and CRS amendments published on 10 October 2022.
DAC8 sets out that Member States are to implement mechanisms to ensure that information received via reporting and information exchange under the DAC is appropriately used.
Current state of play
DAC8 entered into force on 13 November 2023 and will, in general, apply to all EU Member States starting from 1 January 2026. Member States are required to transpose DAC8 into their national legislation by 31 December 2025.
The European Commission is mandated to establish a register of crypto-asset service providers by 31 December 2025. This register will include all relevant information obtained from Member States regarding registered crypto-asset service providers, to which the tax authorities of each Member State will have access.
Denmark, France, Lithuania, and the Slovak Republic have already transposed DAC8 into their respective domestic laws. The Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden either have draft bills available for public consultation or have submitted proposals to parliament for consideration and adoption. Other Member States have yet to make significant progress toward implementing this directive.
Video - DAC8: EU reporting requirements for crypto and digital asset service providers. Monique Pisters (Head of Tax GT Netherlands) explains more about the scope and key measures of DAC8.
Administrative cooperation in taxation (DAC9)
Overview
The DAC9 proposal is associated with the 2022 Pillar 2 Directive, which seeks to implement a global minimum level of taxation for multinational enterprise groups (MNEs) and large-scale domestic groups (LSDGs) within the EU. DAC9 is designed to supplement the Pillar 2 Directive by modifying the filing process for MNEs in order to facilitate fulfillment of reporting obligations under the Directive.
DAC9 introduces a single top-up tax return at the group level for MNEs, reducing administrative requirements. The proposal includes:
- Development of an information-sharing system among tax authorities.
- Implementation of a standardized reporting form, consistent with the template produced by the OECD and G20 Inclusive Framework. This form will be used by MNEs and LSDGs to report essential tax data.
The Commission will have the authority to revise the reporting form in response to international updates to maintain consistency with global standards. The initiative aims to simplify reporting requirements and support compliance for businesses operating in the EU.
Current state of play
DAC9 was adopted on 14 April 2025, requiring EU Member States to transpose its provisions into national law by 31 December 2025. This deadline also applies to those countries that have chosen to postpone implementation of the Pillar 2 Directive.
Multinational enterprises (MNEs) must file their initial Top-up Tax Information Return by 30 June 2026, in accordance with the Pillar 2 Directive. Internationally, this requirement is referred to as the Global Information Return (GIR) under jurisdictions following the GloBE rules. Subsequently, relevant tax authorities are mandated to exchange the submitted information by no later than 31 December 2026.
It should be noted that the DAC9 proposal does not entail any local filing obligations beyond the Top-up Tax Information Return. Furthermore, the format and requirements for the Top-up Tax Information Return may be subject to future updates, as the OECD continues to release additional Administrative Guidance.
On 7 July 2025, the European Commission adopted an Implementing Regulation to establish the technical framework for the automatic exchange of top-up tax information returns among Member States under DAC9. The Regulation introduces a common IT schema, aligned with the GIR developed by the OECD, ensuring interoperability between DAC9 reporting and the OECD framework while minimizing administrative burdens for both tax authorities and businesses.
Currently, Denmark, Sweden, and the Slovak Republic have draft bills undergoing consultation. In Luxembourg, the draft bill has been submitted to parliament, whereas in the Netherlands, the draft bill remains under preparation.
CORE proposal
Overview
On 16 July 2025, the European Commission released its proposed EU budget for the 2028–2034 period, specifying a fiscal commitment of nearly EUR 2 trillion. The budget includes a mechanism known as the Corporate Resource for Europe (CORE).
According to the Commission, CORE is designed as a financial contribution from the corporate sector and will become part of the EU’s system of own resources. In practical terms, it would function as a levy on large corporations operating within the EU.
The levy would apply to all large companies that are tax resident in the EU, as well as to permanent establishments located in a Member State whose parent entities are based in third countries, provided their annual turnover exceeds EUR 100 million after accounting for subsidies and taxes.
Current state of play
This initiative is part of the European Commission’s strategy to establish new, autonomous revenue sources for the EU budget. Its implementation, including the CORE mechanism, requires unanimous approval from all Member States.
The Commission plans to apply the proposed new own resources starting 1 January 2028. The proposal specifies that CORE would take effect on 1 January of the first calendar year following the year in which the proposal enters into force. For instance, if the proposal is adopted during 2026, CORE could become applicable as early as 1 January 2027.
Currently, it is uncertain whether unanimity among Member States can be achieved. Previous negotiations have shown challenges in reaching consensus due to differing positions.
Policymakers in Germany have expressed opposition to the budget proposal, indicating that the CORE mechanism may not be incorporated into EU law.
Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA)
Overview
MiCA is set to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for European crypto-assets, encompassing those not currently governed by existing financial services legislation. Its primary objective is to ensure that consumers receive detailed information regarding the risks, costs, and charges associated with crypto-assets. Additionally, MiCA seeks to implement robust measures to prevent market manipulation, money laundering, terrorist financing, and other criminal activities.
Furthermore, entities subject to these regulations must obtain full licensure within an EU member state and must provide disclosure of their capital reserves, internal controls, and operational procedures to demonstrate adequate financial resources for safeguarding users. Licensed firms are granted passporting rights, enabling them to offer services across all 29 EEA countries without the need for separate licenses in each jurisdiction.
Current state of play
The reporting requirements for crypto-assets, e-money, and central bank digital currencies (MICA) were published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 9 June and took effect on 29 June 2023. The regulation will apply from 30 December 2024.
Starting 30 December 2024, Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) are required to obtain a license to operate within the European market. For CASPs already registered with local authorities, this requirement comes into effect on 30 June 2025. According to the regulation, CASPs must receive authorisation from a Competent Authority to conduct activities in the EU. This also applies to individuals or companies outside the EU that promote or advertise services to clients inside the EU.
Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR)
Overview
The TFR requires crypto companies, including crypto asset service providers and financial institutions offering crypto asset services, to collect information from buyers and sellers involved in transactions and submit this information to local tax authorities. The TFR establishes traceability of transactions involving crypto assets.
The regulation introduces new requirements regarding information on originators and beneficiaries associated with transfers of crypto assets. These rules aim to prevent, detect, and investigate money laundering and terrorist financing when at least one of the involved crypto-asset service providers is established in the EU. The TFR obliges crypto asset service providers to include information about the originator and beneficiary with transfers submitted to local tax authorities.
When funds are transferred, data about both the payer and payee is transmitted between financial institutions until the funds reach their destination. This process is intended to enhance fund traceability and address money laundering more effectively.
Enhanced traceability of crypto asset transfers also aims to make it more difficult for individuals and entities subject to restrictive measures to avoid them. Crypto asset service providers are also required to implement internal policies, procedures, and controls to mitigate risks related to tax evasion.
Current state of play
The Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR) was adopted on 16 May 2024 and will take effect on 30 December 2024.
Crypto asset service providers serving beneficiaries are required to implement procedures to identify any missing or incomplete information related to the originator or beneficiary. These procedures may include transaction monitoring during or after the transfer process as needed.
Central Electronic System of Payment Information (CESOP)
Overview
CESOP is a comprehensive accounting platform developed to optimize financial operations. In accordance with forthcoming EU regulations, there will be an enhanced emphasis on the oversight of payees involved in cross-border payments. Moving forward, banks, electronic money institutions, and other regulated payment bodies will be mandated to report such transactions.
Within this regulatory framework, individuals executing more than 25 cross-border payments per quarter will need to provide relevant information, which will subsequently be collected and verified against various EU databases. The resulting data set will be made available to anti-fraud specialists throughout EU member states, thereby strengthening efforts to identify and prevent e-commerce VAT fraud.
Although the system will collect significant transaction data, rigorous data protection standards will apply. Only payment values will be reported; no personal customer details or information regarding transaction purposes will be disclosed.
Current state of play
Since January 1, 2024, EU Payment Service Providers (PSPs) handling cross-border payments must report transaction data to individual EU Member States under CESOP.
While the reporting format is standardised, national implementation varies, leading to a complex reporting landscape. PSPs must submit quarterly XML reports to each country where they operate, with deadlines one month after quarter-end. Local tax authorities check and forward the data to the EU database. Non-compliance can lead to substantial fines, up to several hundred thousand euros per quarter.
How Can Grant Thornton Help?
Considering the breadth of proposed tax policy initiatives and their inherent complexities, entities should evaluate their existing corporate structures to determine any potential impacts arising from relevant EU directives or regulations.
Grant Thornton’s international tax professionals are available to assist in reviewing your organisation’s current EU arrangements. We offer up-to-date information and expert insights, delivering clear and actionable guidance on navigating both recently adopted and forthcoming EU legislation.
Video update EU proposals
Sasha Kerins, International Tax Partner at Grant Thornton Ireland, and Monique Pisters, Head of Tax at Grant Thornton Netherlands, discuss the latest update regarding the EU direct tax proposals.