“The resolution of the UFE highlights an alarming scenario of fiscal and commercial vulnerability in the European Union, with losses exceeding 50 billion euros annually due to systematic tax evasion promoted by digital platforms,” stated an official communication.
European trade unions from the tax and customs sectors gathered at the UFE meeting, which concludes today in Vilamoura, warning against the “systematic exploitation” of EU customs rules by these platforms.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the STI — Tax Workers Union and APIT — Association of Tax and Customs Inspection Professionals.
Cited in the same communication, UFE President Florian Köbler remarked that Europe “is flooded with illegal products while these platforms accumulate billions in unpaid taxes.”
According to Köbler, each day of inaction results in a tax revenue loss of 137 million euros, in addition to endangering consumers with the products.
The UFE, therefore, proposes an emergency action plan, including measures such as legal accountability for the platforms, a sanctions regime for non-compliant operators, and a maximum period of 90 days between detecting the irregularity and implementing corrective measures.
Founded in 1963, the UFE represents over 350,000 European professionals in tax and customs fields, spanning 40 unions across more than 20 countries.
