I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

[Thanks to Chair, Secretariat]

As strong and longstanding advocates for multilateralism and international cooperation to address global challenges, the EU and its Member States support the objectives of inclusive, fair and effective international tax cooperation, including action in the pursuit of these objectives at the United Nations.

Developing global tax standards is important for a cohesive and prosperous international community. A UN Framework Convention on tax cooperation can and should serve to further promote tax transparency and fair taxation.

To do this it should build on progress achieved in international cooperation through other fora such as the OECD. It is in our common interest to pursue this initiative without duplication or inconsistent measures that would undermine standards or the network of agreements on tax transparency and fairness built over the years, imperfect and incomplete as these may be.

The EU and its Member States recognise the important role played by the UN, including, but not limited to, supporting developing countries in mobilising domestic revenues. This initiative should leverage the strengths of the UN and its full membership.

The EU and its Member States are also committed to the ongoing work of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework, which strives for reform of the international tax order, including a two-pillar solution and growing membership of tax jurisdictions, with global benefits.

And we support the work ongoing at the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, aimed at fighting against offshore tax evasion and established a global standard for transparency in tax matters.

We consider it important to continue developing these global standards, just as we welcome the beginning of intergovernmental discussions on strengthening the inclusiveness and effectiveness of tax cooperation among the UN membership.

We are ready to continue our engagement actively in the coming months through constructive input.

Colleagues, we hold that when it comes to international tax cooperation, inclusivity and effectiveness go together. A broad base of participation is required both for the legitimacy and viability of a tax system. The degree of effectiveness that  a Framework Convention can achieve will only match the level of international ratification and adherence to its norms.

For this reason the pursuit of consensus is also key in the drafting of terms of reference for this Framework Convention. The EU and its Member States have a strong preference for consensus-oriented decision making during this process. Modalities for the Ad-Hoc Committee and its Bureau should reflect this.

As a principle, the EU also favours broad, diverse multi-stakeholder participation, with input from civil society and relevant international organisations.

And as tax is a complex subject, we would  favour modalities allowing for hybrid participation in discussions, to allow for tax administration experts in capitals to provide their input and critical advice.

Throughout this process and our broader UN engagement, the EU will strive to act as a fair, constructive and ambitious advocate for universal values and principles.

I thank you.