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The Tax Omnibus presents a critical opportunity to modernise the EU tax framework in light of the evolving international framework, notably the implementation of Pillar 2. Many existing directives were designed in response to earlier Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) measures and now impose duplicative, fragmented and resource-intensive requirements on businesses. These burdens undermine tax certainty, increase compliance costs and weaken the EU’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

The EU proposed the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) in 2021 to address foreign subsidies distorting the Single Market. Operating as a screening instrument behind merger control, it requires companies to notify the European Commission of foreign financial contributions (FFCs) they may receive when participating in public procurement or mergers and acquisitions activity. Preventing FFCs from distorting the Single Market is an important goal – and one that must be achieved without creating its own disruptions.

Authored by Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU

At the Alimentaria Conference in Barcelona, Edouard Coppieters, Senior Policy Adviser, AmCham EU, spoke about placing competitiveness at the centre of the European agri-food ecosystem. Taking place on Tuesday, 24 March, he outlined the role of simplification and Better Regulation principles in ensuring a stable agri-food supply chain and supporting the sector’s competitiveness. He noted that the sector operates within an international trade environment and that stakeholders across the value chain face challenges in adapting to the current legislative framework. He emphasised the need to simplify operations within the Single Market and ensure that legislation is fit for purpose rather than a box-ticking exercise. Aurélie Dufour, Europe Sustainability Engagement and Regulation Lead, Yum! Brands and Dirk Jacobs, Director-General, FoodDrinkEurope also joined the panel.

The evaluation of the Directive on Administrative Cooperation (DAC) 1-9 can help enhance tax transparency, improve the Single Market and boost Europe’s competitiveness by decluttering tax policy. By ensuring that DAC includes fixed standards and mandating greater transparency for DAC data, lawmakers can improve its functionality. Likewise, by exempting Pillar 2 companies (including those subject to the ‘side-by-side’ safe harbour) from DAC 6 and revisiting the administrative requirements and outcomes of reporting under DAC 6, the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD), the Pillar 2 Directive and the Public Country by Country Reporting (pCbCR) Directive, lawmakers can minimise additional costs for companies and tax authorities alike while maintaining the integrity of the tax system.

At the European Association Summit & Awards 2026, Maximiliano Santy, Senior Director of Operations, AmCham EU, spoke at a session organised by the European Society of Association Executives Finance & HR Community on salary transparency and the gender pay gap. Taking place on Thursday, 26 March, he outlined the implications of the EU Pay Transparency Directive for organisations and highlighted the importance of objective, transparent criteria in addressing pay disparities. He also emphasised the need to align compensation practices with legal requirements while supporting fairness, accountability and trust across the workplace. Natalie Bastiaens, Partner, Tax and Legal Services; Kathleen Bracke, Managing Associate, Social Legal, BDO and Martina Schusterova, Director, Energy Traders Europe also joined the panel.