EU Finance Ministers have updated the European Union’s list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, removing Fiji and Samoa from the blacklist while adding Viet Nam and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In a statement, the European Commission said the update highlights the European Union’s commitment to implement tax good governance standards to fight tax fraud, evasion and avoidance globally.
Under changes to Annex I, which identifies jurisdictions considered non-cooperative in tax matters, the Council decided to remove Fiji, Samoa and Trinidad and Tobago after they addressed long-standing deficiencies.
“This represents welcome progress and shows the impact that the EU list can have in supporting the uptake of international standards.”
At the same time, the Council added Viet Nam and the Turks and Caicos Islands to Annex I due to failure to comply with internationally agreed standards on tax transparency and fair taxation.
“The Council regrets these developments and has invited both jurisdictions to engage with the EU’s Code of
Conduct Group and the other competent international fora to resolve the issues.”
Following the changes, Annex I now comprises 10 jurisdictions: American Samoa, Anguilla, Guam, Palau, Panama, the Russian Federation, Turks and Caicos, U.S Virgin Islands, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.
In Annex II, which lists cooperative jurisdictions, Seychelles and Antigua and Barbuda were removed after taking necessary steps to comply with international standards on exchange of information on request.
Brunei Darussalam has been granted additional time to amend its harmful preferential tax regime.
Annex II now includes nine jurisdictions: Belize, British Virgin Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Eswatini, Greenland, Jordan, Montenegro, Morocco and Türkiye. The EU said it will closely monitor these commitments.
The EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes is an intergovernmental process led by the Council. The European Commission provides technical assistance to jurisdictions seeking to improve their tax frameworks and works with EU Member States to revise and strengthen listing criteria in line with international developments.
The list is reviewed twice a year to ensure it remains relevant and accurate.
