Mr. Bert Zuijdendorp:

First, I should say, as I already pointed out, that these figures should be read with some caution. We used a general equilibrium model that is quite good at assessing the effects of tax reform on the group of 28 member states, but it is less accurate when it comes to pinpointing the exact consequences for each individual member state. This is simply because the model does not allow for that kind of differentiation. These figures, and the CCCTB's intentions, are to be budgetary neutral. That there may be a small plus or minus is more an effect of the model than an actual reflection of what might happen in practice. It is also important to note that there are certain things that are not captured by a model. These are quite significant elements. For example, it does not capture the effect of the new measures that we are introducing, the effect of the research and development deduction or the effect of the allowance for growth and investment. It also does not capture the effect that the application of anti-tax avoidance measures may have on the taxable revenues. We can assume that it should have a positive effect but we cannot model for it and therefore have not included it.