H.E. Mr. Stéphane Crouzat:

I will finish on it. France and Ireland have a difference of opinion on the issue. France believes we should discuss it. Its Government has announced that the current corporation tax rate, 33.3%, will go down within the next five years to 25%. Convergence with Germany's corporation tax rates is the aim. France believes we should reflect on the issue of convergence. It is not talking about a unified tax code. It understands fully that the tax issue is decided on the basis of unanimity and that nothing will be imposed on member states, but it wants to put the issue on the table within the EU framework. It believes that if there is not a level playing field, there should at least be a system under which countries can compete. The issue will be on the table. I can assure the committee that the French authorities are quite keen to push this forward. France understands the specificity of every country. It is not a question of having a flat tax but rather of convergence.

I again thank the Chairman and the distinguished members of the committee. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to make this presentation.