The latest figures released by the European Commission show that there has been little improvement in VAT revenue collection across EU Member States.

The difference between the amount of VAT expected and that paid has reached €168 billion, the equivalent of 15.2% loss in revenue. The gap is caused by a combination of fraud, evasion, tax avoidance, bankruptcies, financial insolvencies, and miscalculation. The problem is lowest in Finland, the Netherlands and Sweden and worst in Romania. 

Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs said: "I urge Member States to take the steps needed to fight tax evasion and tax fraud at all levels. This remains a burning issue and is at the top of this Commission's agenda."