EC to examine Swiss black listing by Italy
The European Commission (EC) will investigate alleged discrimination by Italy against Swiss businesses.
In a letter dated March 14, which has been placed on the EC list of procedures for violation of European treaties, the commission has asked Rome to explain its decision to place Switzerland on its black list of tax havens.
Switzerland has repeatedly complained to both Italy and the EC about having being placed on the black list.
Placement of Switzerland on the black list means that Swiss businesses wanting to tender for public offers must first obtain authorisation to do so by supplying additional information to the Italian finance ministry.
Italy is Switzerland’s second largest economic trading partner, with commercial trade between the two countries valued at SFr34 billion ($37.73 billion) in 2009.
According to Swiss Italian Radio (RSI), Rome has two months to respond to the EC’s request for information.
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