Are the OECD/G20 Pillar Two GloBE-Rules Compliant with the Fundamental Freedoms?

Abstract

In this article the authors focus on whether the Global Anti-Base Erosion (‘GloBE’) rules, as set out in an Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (‘OECD’) Blueprint of October 2020, comply with the EU fundamental freedoms. This compatibility is tested in two distinct scenario’s. In the first scenario the assumption is taken that the GloBE-rules will be implemented directly by the Members States and in the second scenario the assumption is taken that the GloBE-rules will be implemented indirectly through an EU Directive. It is clear from the analysis of the first scenario that the GloBE-rules collide with the freedom of establishment. For the GloBE-rules to be fully in line with this freedom, it is recommended that they include a substance-based carve-out such like the one foreseen in Article 7(2) of the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD). The analysis of the second scenario, which focuses on the EU principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, shows that, even though the GloBE-rules might collide with the freedom of establishment, they could still be successfully implemented given the broad discretion that the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) leaves to the Union legislature. Nonetheless, also here recommendations are made to reduce disproportionate frictions. Pillar II – GloBE – OECD – BEPS – Minimum taxation – Tax competition – European Law – Freedom of Establishment – Subsidiarity – Proportionality