Brussels, 21/01/2013
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has called on Finance Ministers meeting on Tuesday to take the vital next step for 11 or more EU member states to introduce a Financial Transactions Tax.
ETUC General Secretary Bernadette Segol said:
“Finance Ministers must take this step to rebalance the European economy so that the finance sector serves the real economy again. The demand for a financial transactions tax is a key part of the European trade union movement’s proposal for a Social Compact. The tax will help create sustainable growth with social justice and a future for young people.”
The approval of the Council of Ministers is needed before the so-called Enhanced Co-operation Procedure goes ahead, allowing a minority of EU countries to take action. Permanent Representatives (Ambassadors from each country) have already agreed to the Procedure, but the Finance Ministers need to agree on Tuesday.