PRESS RELEASE BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Maltese Parliamentary Delegation participates in EU Tax Symposium 2026

A Maltese parliamentary delegation took part in the EU Tax Symposium 2026, held under the theme ‘Strengthening Competitiveness and Fairness to Build Prosperity’. The event brought together finance ministers, Members of the European Parliament and national parliaments, policymakers, academics, and representatives from civil society to discuss the future of tax systems within the European Union.

Carmelo Abela and Adrian Delia represented the Parliament of Malta at the Symposium, contributing to discussions on the challenges and opportunities arising from evolving tax policies. Their participation underscored Malta’s commitment to contributing actively to an EU tax framework that balances economic growth with fairness and sustainability.

The Symposium opened with introductory remarks by Pasquale Tridico MEP, Chair of the Subcommittee on Tax Matters, Katarina Barley MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for relations with national parliaments, and Gerassimos Thomas, Director-General for Taxation and Customs Union at the European Commission. A keynote address was delivered by Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the OECD, while additional keynote remarks were provided by Makis Keravnos, Minister of Finance of Cyprus. A highlight of the Symposium was the Nobel Prize conversation on the future of taxation, featuring Philippe Aghion and Joseph Stiglitz, who shared their perspectives on global fairness and economic growth. Their contributions brought a strong academic dimension to the discussions and underscored the importance of evidence-based policymaking in shaping future tax systems.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in discussions on pressing taxation issues. One session focused on ensuring that ultra-high-net-worth individuals contribute fairly to tax systems, with insights from policymakers, economists, and trade union representatives. Another panel examined the role of taxation in fostering sustainable competitiveness across the EU. Corporate tax reform remained a central topic, with experts from international organisations and the private sector exploring future directions. A further session addressed the growing impact of artificial intelligence in tax administration, highlighting both opportunities and risks.

The Symposium provided a platform for a substantive exchange of views on how taxation can support economic resilience while ensuring fairness. Discussions, moderated by leading experts from institutions such as the European Commission, Bruegel, and Oxfam International, reinforced the importance of coordinated action at EU level.

The Maltese delegation emphasised that maintaining fiscal stability and improving tax collection remain essential for sustainable economic growth. While recognising the value of cooperation at EU level, they stressed the importance of safeguarding Malta’s national interests to remain competitive in a changing global tax environment. The delegation highlighted the need to preserve sufficient national flexibility in taxation policies to support investment, economic resilience, and long-term prosperity.

As taxation continues to shape the EU’s economic and social agenda, the Symposium reaffirmed the importance of a balanced approach that promotes both competitiveness and equity. The event concluded with reflections from Pasquale Tridico and Gerassimos Thomas, Director-General for Taxation and Customs Union at the European Commission, who summarised the key outcomes of the discussions.