EU president denies France wants standard tax rates

The president of the European Parliament has dismissed reports that the French Presidency will introduce standard corporate tax rates across the European Union when it takes over the EU Presidency.

Media reports this morning claimed that the French government wants a standard tax rate in order to make foreign direct investment fair and equitable.

Speaking in the Senate this morning, Hans-Gert Pottering said comments made in France were misleading and Ireland will still have the freedom to adopt its own policies across a range of issues.