Ireland Held Up As Example For EU Newcomers

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

13 January 2003

President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox has held Ireland up as an example of the economic progress which can be made as a result of EU membership.

Speaking to Reuters last week, Mr Cox, the first Irish European Parliament president, explained that: 'We can offer leadership because we've a valid experience and the valid experience is one many wish to emulate.'

He added that the Irish example demonstrates how countries on the periphery of the Union can prosper and make an impact, revealing that over the course of its 30 year membership of the bloc, the Republic has progressed from being one of the EU's poorest members to its current position as one of the most wealthy:

'The periphery in Europe has grown faster, with regional dynamics, than the centre,' he explained.

The European Parliament president also suggested that Ireland, which has built its success on the foundation of its low 12.5% corporate tax rate, should lead the new EU member states in opposing moves by larger European countries, such as France and Germany, to impose a uniform tax regime across the EU.

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