More Europe on migration? Then support the FTT

In their 'Alternative Vision for Europe', the European Socialists promise that they "will fight to bring in common company tax rules to simplify the tax law jungle, cut the scope for tax avoidance by multinationals and prevent erosion of the tax base. With just one set of rules throughout the EU, even if tax rates differ, it will be easier for businesses but harder for tax cheats. Another priority will be to get tough on tax havens."

The European Socialists also refer to the "S&D Group's tough stance on the financial transaction tax" which is described as a "vital way to curb the excesses of financial institutions, ensure they pay their fair share of tax and ease the tax burden on the public".

Moreover German Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and the Social Democrats (SPD) agreed in a second round of coalition talks  to push for a financial transactions tax in Europe if they manage to form a new government.

I wonder how our peculiar brand of progressives will react to the efforts of their continental comrades to harmonise taxation in Europe.

So far Malta has been adamantly opposed to a tax on financial transactions. It is one issue where consensus exists between PN and PL. When in Opposition, Labour leader Joseph Muscat invoked the national interest to oppose the harmonisation of taxes in the European Union. In December 2011 he reiterated his disagreement, saying decisions on the eurozone crisis should be based on national interest and safeguarding the Euro. "Tax should be decided by the individual member state. No one should order us what to do. It is the bases of sovereignty and democracy ... a basic principle which we must never give up. We will not agree to it."

Muscat also said the international community must receive the message that a change in Malta's leadership would mean a transition to a stronger leadership which safeguards national interest, and understands European fiscal policies.

Nothing could contrast more with the position of the European Socialists.

Moreover Labour's insistence on tax sovereignty would contrast completely with its constant rants against the EU's failure to treat immigration as a collective responsibility. I find this discourse incongruous with Malta's opposition to a tax on financial transactions. For we cannot expect "federalism" on immigration and a diluted Union when it comes to fiscal matters.  

Or are we in favour of more Europe on immigration, and in favour of less Europe on anything else?

I wonder how fellow Europeans feel when they hear that Malta is going to sell citizenship to give crony capitalists, including people facing criminal charges deemed to be 'politically motivated' by our government, a gateway into Europe.

In reality what we will be selling is an EU passport. I wonder how socialist comrades Martin Schultz and Hannes Swodoba feel about this ingenious way of making financial capital of EU membership by the same likes who oppose a tax on financial transactions and who some time ago opposed membership?