Council position on proposed CBAM expansion: what businesses need to know
On 12 June 2026, the Council agreed its position on proposed changes to the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (“CBAM”). If adopted, the changes would make CBAM relevant to a much wider group of businesses. In particular, CBAM would no longer be focused mainly on basic materials such as steel and aluminium, but would also apply to selected finished and semi-finished
Tax bites podcast – CBAM Unpacked: What it is and why it matters now
Welcome to the first episode of our new Tax Bites mini-series dedicated to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the broader EU carbon taxation landscape. In this opening episode, Pieter sits down with our CBAM experts, Helena and Aurélien to set the stage: how does CBAM fit into the wider EU Green Deal and
VAT exemption for financial intermediation: broader than you think
Versãofast (GC, 26 Nov 2025, T-657/24): a functional test. The recent Versãofast judgment (26 November 2025, General Court) clarifies the scope of the VAT exemption for credit intermediation. While the Court recalls that VAT exemptions must be interpreted strictly, it adopts a functional approach to “intermediation”, focusing on what the service enables rather than on
2026 Budget agreement – Tax and social measures
Today, the government reached a budget agreement, setting a multi-year path to meet the European expenditure rule by 2029. This plan involves 60% spending cuts and 40% new revenue streams. A projected €9.2 billion is earmarked for 2029, increasing to €10 billion by 2030. This funding will come from salary indexation adjustments, targeted VAT hikes,
ViDA Package gets EU Council nod
Last week, on March 11, 2025, the EU Ministers of Finance formally adopted the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) package, marking a significant step forward in modernizing the EU’s VAT framework. This adoption follows the political consensus reached at the ECOFIN meeting on November 5, 2024. The ViDA package aims to streamline and harmonize
Transformative Indirect Taxes Reforms to Boost Sustainability, Efficiency, and Transparency in Belgium
As part of the recent government agreement, the new Belgian government has introduced a series of proposed changes in indirect taxes aimed at supporting sustainability, enhancing transparency, and simplifying the tax system. Below are the key highlights designed to create a more efficient fiscal environment that aligns with climate objectives, reduces administrative burdens, and combats
ECOFIN approves VAT in the Digital Age package
On 5 November 2024, the EU Finance Ministers at ECOFIN approved the latest version of the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) package released on 30 October 2024. This is positive news given that Estonia had earlier raised concerns in relation to the platform rules, a matter which was the subject of compromise discussions throughout
Tax Bites Podcast – Belgian QDMTT return: how does it look?
Belgium published its QDMTT tax return and asks feedback to stakeholders. Are you interested to learn how Belgium looks at the QDMTT return? Tune in and get an update! About the speakers Koen De Grave Maxim Allart Pieter Deré (Host) Listen now Missed the previous episode(s)?: You can listen to the full episodes via Spotify, Google and Apple Podcasts.
