TAE Award 2009
Taxpayers Association of Europe awards the 2009 Taxpayers Prize
to the Bulgarian Prime Minister Dr. Boyko Borissov
The European Taxpayers Award which will be presented on 10. November 2009 in Brussels for the eleventh time by the Taxpayers Association of Europe, will go to the Bulgarian Prime Minister Dr. Boyko Borissov.
The European Taxpayers Award, to be presented in the form of a bronze sculpture, the European Bull, symbolises the never-ending struggle for survival, strength and perseverance. At the same time, it is a symbol for Europe, and stands in this particular case for the European fight against fraud, corruption and waste, as well as a symbol for tax competition in Europe, says Rolf von Hohenhau, President of the Taxpayers Association of Europe.
According to the aims and objectives of the Taxpayers Association of Europe, Europe must aim for new solutions like the “Flat Tax” or must confront the question of tax competition with an open mind. This is because only competition, particularly in the area of taxation and tax systems, can protect the citizens of Europe from high tax burdens.
In a special way, the award winner corresponds to the symbolism and intent of the European Taxpayers Award, says Rolf von Hohenhau.
The selection of Dr. Boyko Borissov pays tribute to an outstanding personality, who is determined to end corruption and fraud in Bulgaria with all the powers in his might. He did not only make this clear during his election campaign, but declared this to be the supreme aim of his government after his election victory. Equally important and praiseworthy are his efforts to reduce the waste of public funds in Bulgaria and to ensure transparency in government.
The squandering of public funds is just as inimical as tax evasion, says Rolf von Hohenhau. Both are harmful to the state and society. And both evils must be punished. Transparency and the publication of auditing reports are the keys to success in the fight against waste, fraud and corruption.
Thanks to the commitment of Dr. Borissov, Bulgaria is now on the right track to regain lost confidence.
With a Flat Tax rate of 10 percent income und company tax, Bulgaria has not only created the prerequisite for growth and prosperity in his own country, but has helped to accelerate the case of tax competition in Europe and thus increased the pressure for reform in the old EU member countries.
The presentation will take place in Brussels on 10. November 2009, from 7 pm to 9.30 pm in the Representation of Baden-Württemberg to the EU, Rue Belliard 60-62, 1040 Brussels.
The welcome address will be delivered by TAE-President Rolf von Hohenhau. Following this, Stefanie Bolzen (Die Welt) will present a discussion on the current state of Bulgaria with MEP Markus Ferber, Dr. Ingo Friedrich, President of the European Economic Senate, Taxpayer President Rolf von Hohenhau and the Bulgarian Foreign Minister Dr. Rumiana Jeleva. The speech of honour to the award winner will be given by the former President of the European Parliament, MEP Prof. Dr. Gert Pöttering. After the award ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Boyko Borissov will deliver his ‘Thank You’ speech.
After the ceremony, there will be a reception in the Representation of Baden-Württemberg to the EU.
The award ceremony will be conducted in cooperation with the European Economic Senate (EES) and Philip Morris.
Munich/Brussels, 10. November 2009