TAX LAW

AGREEMENT TO PREVENT DOUBLE TAXATION BETWEEN CHILE AND THE UNITED STATES

This agreement positions Chile in an advantageous place compared to its South American peers and gives it tax benefits for trade with the world's leading economy. But almost a year after its implementation, it is still little known in the country, so the corporate and investment structures it offers are not being used well.

ENTRY INTO FORCE

After almost fourteen years of rest in the US Senate, the long- awaited agreement between Chile and the United States that put an end to double taxation came into force. Indeed, since February 4, 2010, when it was signed in Washington D.C., and having passed through our country five administrations, its application is now a reality. This positions Chile in an advantageous place compared to its South American peers, while trading with the world's leading economy, which complements the current Free Trade Agreement.

However, since its entry into force on January 1, 2024, it is striking that legal and accounting advisors, and the business fabric, with some exceptions, have made little use of it, in circumstances that this agreement represents 10.9% of Chilean foreign investment, and can be used from large-scale capital to mere personal service providers.

MAIN BENEFITS

Among the main benefits is the mitigation of the tax impact. In figures, the US federal system establishes a corporate tax of 21%. With the remaining 79%, a difference occurs with the agreement. Previously, there was a Withholding of 30%, which is now reduced to 5%. Thus, the final tax burden decreases from 44.7% to 24.95%. If we compare it with the complementary global tax of 35%, there is an advantage of just over 10 points. Of course, it will be necessary to make case-by-case analyses, such as State Tax Rates, but the advantage is abysmal.

NEED TO REVIEW LEGAL STRUCTURES

In the first place, it is necessary to review the current investment structures. Among the current cases, we find someone who wants to invest in real estate in the United States. One way is through direct investment, without corporate structures. In this case, there will be three types of problems; Estate Tax, with the colossal inheritance tax; Firpta, a law that taxes the sale of real estate by foreigners with 15%; and, finally, the null option of claiming expenses for the complementary global tax.

However, this situation could be improved with the agreement if the investor is structured through a Limited Liability Company (LLC) -with a check the box (CTB)-, thus avoiding the payment of Estate Tax and Firpta, and being owned by an SpA or SRL, both considered corporations for US purposes. In summary, the agreement would allow the benefit of the aforementioned 5% withholding.

A similar application of the agreement could be used by investors with investment accounts. Therefore, it is necessary to review the investment cases, since heavy structures could generate high costs, and in return, light structures could produce tax carelessness and civil exposure.

INCENTIVE FOR INVESTORS

The spirit of the treaty is to encourage investments, but without Treaty Shopping or abusive conduct. Proof of this are the authorizations of article 24, which, although it establishes a limitation on benefits, by LOB clause, allows its use through “qualified person”; tests, with the substance of the operation predominating. Therefore, by complying with the established requirements, it would allow access to foreign investors, encouraging international trade.

CURRENT BENEFITS

In summary, we appreciate that the agreement provided legal certainty through the establishment of clear and permanent rules, essential for long-term wealth planning. From this we derive the necessary review and rethinking of current corporate structures, so that they can be used by all investment ranges, including those on a smaller scale.

Finally, the agreement and current times require legal and accounting teams to have an adequate understanding of foreign regulations and even the formation of alliances with foreign firms, in order to provide a comprehensive service and thus determine the most suitable structures to prevent potential legal and tax conflicts and to guarantee relations on a transnational horizon.

The European Commission has unveiled a comprehensive set of initiatives designed to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of European industry, address soaring energy costs, and streamline sustainability obligations for businesses. Below is an overview of the pivotal measures introduced:

Clean Industrial Deal

As part of its commitment to fostering industrial innovation and climate leadership, the Commission has launched the Clean Industrial Deal. This ambitious plan aims to bolster Europe’s industrial competitiveness while expediting the transition to a decarbonized economy.(Press Release).

Action Plan on Affordable Energy Prices

Recognizing the critical impact of energy costs on economic performance, this action plan outlines a set of targeted measures to mitigate volatility, ensure market stability, and fortify Europe’s global industrial positioning. (Press Release).

First Sustainability Omnibus Package

This legislative package introduces key regulatory adjustments to simplify corporate sustainability compliance and enhance legal clarity:

Revisions to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD); Deferral of CSRD reporting requirements for companies in waves 2 and 3 (2026 and 2027), alongside an extension of the transposition deadline and initial implementation of the CSDDD to 2028; Targeted reform of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), exempting small importers, particularly SMEs and private entities; Amendments to the Taxonomy Disclosures and the Taxonomy Climate and Environmental Delegated Acts, currently open for public consultation. Second Omnibus Package on Investment Simplification

This initiative is set to optimize access to key European financial instruments, including InvestEU, EFSI, and other major investment mechanisms. By reducing administrative burdens and enhancing resource allocation, this package seeks to foster a more dynamic and efficient investment landscape. (Press Release)

For further insights into these landmark initiatives, please refer to the official press releases of the European Commission.

NEW BUDGET 2025 IN BOLIVIA: TAX BENEFITS FOR INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

The Bolivian Law No. 1613, enacted on January 1, 2025, approves the General State Budget (PGE) for the fiscal year 2025 and introduces several provisions that may be of interest to businesses and economic actors in Bolivia. These measures aim to promote industrialization, import substitution, and economic reactivation.

Key Provisions:

Tax Incentives for Industrialization: To encourage industrialization and reduce import dependency, the PGE 2025 establishes an exemption from the Value Added Tax (VAT) and customs duties for the importation and commercialization of capital goods and industrial plants. This benefit applies to sectors such as agriculture, industry, construction, and mining, facilitating the acquisition of machinery and equipment necessary for productive development. VAT Exemptions on Hydrocarbon Imports: To ensure the supply of fuels in the domestic market, the importation of crude oil, gasoline, and diesel oil is exempted from VAT. This measure aims to mitigate the impact of international prices and ensure the continuous supply of these essential resources. Incentives for Profit Reinvestment: The PGE 2025 introduces incentives for foreign companies to reinvest their profits in the country. Depending on the percentage of reinvestment, partial exemptions are granted on the Corporate Income Tax for Foreign Beneficiaries (IUE-BE). For instance, a reinvestment of 25% to 49.99% of profits results in a 10% exemption on the corresponding tax. Use of Virtual Assets by Public Companies: Public companies are authorized to use virtual assets to fulfill contractual obligations. This provision allows greater flexibility in financial transactions and could influence how payments and contracts are managed in the public sector.

These provisions of the PGE 2025 present both opportunities and legal challenges for businesses and economic stakeholders in Bolivia.

For the official text of Law No. 1613, please refer to the Gaceta Oficial del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia.

TAX

AGREEMENT BETWEEN ECUADOR AND THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR THE ELIMINATION OF DOUBLE TAXATION AND THE PREVENTION OF TAX EVASION

The government of Ecuador and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have signed an agreement whose primary objective is to eliminate double taxation on income and capital gains affecting individuals and legal entities operating in both countries. Additionally, it aims to prevent tax evasion and avoidance through information exchange and the implementation of anti-abuse regulations. Finally, the agreement seeks to promote investment and bilateral trade by ensuring a predictable and fair tax treatment.

Scope and Application of the Agreement

The agreement covers individuals and legal entities residing in Ecuador and the United Kingdom, including territories under the fiscal control of these states. Income and capital gains taxes are considered to include all taxes levied on total income, including those derived from the disposal of movable and immovable property. The taxes covered by the agreement are:

Ecuador: Income tax United Kingdom: Income tax, corporate tax, and capital gains tax

Methods for Eliminating Double Taxation

To prevent double taxation, the following measures are established:

In Ecuador, the tax credit method will be adopted, allowing taxes paid in the United Kingdom to be deducted from Ecuadorian tax liabilities. In the United Kingdom, a tax credit mechanism will be implemented, enabling taxes paid in one country to be deducted in the other. Additionally, an exemption method will be applied in certain cases, depending on the type and origin of the income. This method will apply to dividends from Ecuador and profits generated by permanent establishments in the country.

Methods for Eliminating Double Taxation

To prevent double taxation, the following measures are established:

In Ecuador, the tax credit method will be adopted, allowing taxes paid in the United Kingdom to be deducted from Ecuadorian tax liabilities. In the United Kingdom, a tax credit mechanism will be implemented, enabling taxes paid in one country to be deducted in the other. Additionally, an exemption method will be applied in certain cases, depending on the type and origin of the income. This method will apply to dividends from Ecuador and profits generated by permanent establishments in the country.

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NEW GUIDELINES FROM ECUADOR'S TAX AUTHORITY FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE FOREIGN CURRENCY EXIT TAX STARTING IN 2025

The Ecuadorian Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued new rules regarding the Foreign Currency Exit Tax (FCET), which are taking effect this year. Here are the key points:

Elimination of tax credits: As of January 1, 2025, FCET paid in the past can no longer be used to reduce Income Tax. Options for FCET paid until 2024: Those who paid FCET until the end of 2024 may use it to reduce Income Tax, deduct it as an expense, or request a refund, according to previous regulations. Requirements for reduced rates: Taxpayers wishing to apply reduced FCET rates (2.5% or 5%) must complete a form and submit it to the financial institution or withholding agent. Obligations for withholding agents: Those responsible for withholding FCET must issue electronic receipts and ensure compliance with the regulations. IRS system updates: The IRS will update its systems to ensure the correct FCET rates (0%, 2.5%, 5%) are applied to money transfers abroad.

These measures are available this year and will impact both businesses and financial institutions.

ECONOMICS

Ecuador and Canada Conclude Negotiations for a Trade Agreement

The Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ecuador strengthens trade relations between both countries following a negotiation process that began in April 2024. The conclusion of the negotiations resulted in a comprehensive agreement covering goods, services, and investment treatment, with provisions in key areas such as the environment, labor rights, Indigenous peoples, dispute resolution, agriculture, intellectual property, financial services, gender equality, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Below are the main aspects of this agreement:

Investment

The Investment chapter ensures a fair and predictable environment, including non-discrimination rules, protection against expropriation without fair compensation, and minimum standards of treatment. The Parties retain the right to regulate strategic sectors such as health, security, the environment, Indigenous rights, and cultural diversity. Additionally, it establishes rules for investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS), with strengthened commitments to transparency and fair access to procedures.

Dispute Resolution

The treaty includes a binding dispute settlement mechanism, prioritizing consultations and alternative solutions before arbitration. It ensures clear rules for panel selection, report implementation, and public access to proceedings for transparency.

Cross-Border Trade in Services

The agreement ensures market access, non-discriminatory treatment, and legal certainty for service providers. It includes an Annex on Professional Services to facilitate future Mutual Recognition Agreements and adopts a negative-list approach for non-conforming measures, ensuring regulatory predictability and transparency.

Competition Policy

The agreement fosters a fair and predictable business environment, ensuring due process and transparency in law enforcement. It encourages cooperation between competition authorities and protects confidential information. While not subject to dispute resolution, it allows for bilateral consultations on competition concerns.

Industrial Goods

The agreement eliminates tariffs on all Canadian industrial exports, with 89% of tariff lines becoming duty-free immediately and full liberalization within ten years. Key exports include metals, chemicals, machinery, textiles, fertilizers, and natural gas, averaging $316.7 million annually (2019–2023). Tariff removal on products like helicopters, drilling machinery, chemicals, cosmetics, and IT technology enhances Canada’s competitiveness in Ecuador.

Fish and Seafood Products

The agreement eliminates all tariffs on Canadian fish and seafood exports, with 95% becoming duty-free immediately and the remaining 4.9% phased out within three years. Between 2019 and 2023, Canada’s exports to Ecuador in this sector averaged $68,000 annually, while imports from Ecuador to Canada averaged $45.1 million, highlighting growth potential for Canadian exporters.

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PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN ECUADOR REACHED $1.304 BILLION IN 2024

According to the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments, and Fisheries, private investment in Ecuador reached $1.304 billion in 2024 through 39 investment contracts across various productive sectors.

At the beginning of 2025, the Strategic Committee for Investment Promotion and Attraction (CEPAI) confirmed this amount, including contract approvals, amendments, and transitions to the new Free Zone regime.

In comparison, investment contracts in 2023 amounted to $1.161 billion. The main sectors for investment in 2024 included commerce, renewable energy, mining, real estate, and aquaculture. Additionally, amendments to investment contracts in the last quarter of 2024 increased investment by $93.5 million.

CEPAI also approved the transition of two Special Economic Development Zones (ZEDE) in Santa Elena and Guayas into Ecuador's first Free Zones, under the Economic Efficiency and Employment Generation Law. These projects involve over $2 million in investment and will create 69 direct jobs over 30 years.

On October 17, 2024, the Ministry of Production issued a ministerial agreement outlining the transition process for ZEDEs and free zones under the new legal framework.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Ecuador recorded $120 million in FDI in the first half of 2024, a 12.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. The main sectors for FDI were mining, transportation, and manufacturing, with $92 million in positive flows. The top investing countries were the U.S., Switzerland, and Peru, contributing $78 million.

Meanwhile, 100% of approved investment contracts in early 2024 focused on agriculture, manufacturing, and real estate/construction.

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ECUADOR STARTS EXPORTING CANNED TUNA TO CHINA

Ecuador began exporting canned tuna to China, following the implementation of a free trade agreement that removed the 5% tariff on the product. The deal, which came into effect last year, has also enabled other Ecuadorian products like shrimp, coffee, cacao, and bananas to enter the Chinese market without tariffs. Bilateral trade between Ecuador and China has grown by an average of 23% annually over the past five years, with China overtaking the United States as Ecuador's top non-oil trading partner in 2022.

However, Ecuador's exports to China fell nearly 12% by November 2024, largely due to a drop in shrimp prices (with China being Ecuador's main shrimp buyer) and an electricity crisis that led to daily blackouts and halted industrial mining activities. As of November 2024, Ecuador's exports totaled $2.97 billion, a 17.3% decrease from the previous year. Copper exports were also down by 7.7%.

Consumer Protection Law

In 2008, Honduras enacted the Consumer Protection Law to safeguard, promote, and enforce consumer rights while ensuring compliance with fair trade practices. This legislation governs consumer transactions related to the purchase of goods and services, establishing procedures, rights, obligations, violations, and sanctions within this framework.

In October 2024, Decree No. 75-2024 introduced amendments to Article 68, incorporating five new provisions in response to consumer complaints about malpractice and deficiencies in telecommunications and internet services.

Among the most significant changes, the decree limits contract durations to a maximum of six months. Additionally, consumers dissatisfied with their service may terminate their contract by paying only for the services used. In cases of service disruption, consumers are entitled to receive credit for the days the service was non-operational.

A key aspect of the reform mandates that all fees and charges be expressed in local currency, protecting consumers from exchange rate fluctuations and preserving household financial stability. Furthermore, unexpected bill increases are strictly prohibited. The Consumer Protection Directorate (DGPC) is responsible for overseeing compliance and enforcing sanctions where necessary.

Additionally, under Article 2, the reform redefines the role of the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS), which manages the Credit Information Center (CIC). With this amendment, telecommunications companies can no longer report delinquent customers to the CIC. Moreover, the CNBS is now required to rectify and immediately restore the credit ratings of individuals whose financial reputations were negatively impacted due to arrears in telecommunications payments.

This reform marks a significant step forward in strengthening consumer rights in the telecommunications sector, ensuring greater transparency, fairness, and accountability in the provision of essential services.

Regulation on Fee Exemptions for Senior Citizens in Financial Transactions

The National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS) has enacted the Regulation on Fee Exemptions for Senior Citizens in Financial Transactions, as per Circular CNBS No. 023/2024, in compliance with Legislative Decree No. 34-2024. This regulation aims to protect senior citizens' financial rights, ensuring that individuals in the third and fourth age groups are not subjected to additional fees for personal financial transactions.

The regulation applies to banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, and cooperatives, granting fee exemptions for the following transactions:

Withdrawals from deposit and savings accounts Electronic payments and transfers Issuance of cashier’s checks, certified checks, traveler’s checks, or similar financial instruments Replacement of savings passbooks, debit, and credit cards Issuance, recovery, or replacement of account numbers, PINs, passwords, and other credentials required for digital banking

The regulation also prohibits financial institutions from introducing alternative fees or increasing rates to offset lost revenue. Additionally, it bars them from denying financial services to senior citizens unless a proper risk assessment and due diligence process has been conducted.

Financial institutions have four months to adjust their systems from the regulation’s effective date. Any undue charges applied since October 5, 2024, must be immediately refunded to affected clients.

This initiative aligns with Legislative Decree No. 59-2023, which amended the Comprehensive Protection Law for Senior Citizens and Retirees of Honduras. The amendment introduced a range of discounts and financial benefits for senior citizens, whether retired, pensioned, or non-retired, to enhance their quality of life and financial well-being.

Banks and financial institutions are already working on the necessary adjustments to comply with this regulation, which represents a major milestone in securing financial rights for senior citizens and improving their economic security and access to essential services.

Executive Decree PCM 40-2024: Financial Relief for Honduran Families

On December 20, 2024, the Honduran government issued Executive Decree PCM 40-2024, published in La Gaceta, to provide financial relief for housing loans, liquidity injection, and capital requirement reductions. This initiative is backed by the Honduran Bank for Production and Housing (BANHPROVI), the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS), and the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH).

Under this decree, BANHPROVI is authorized to grant financial relief to more than 15,000 families impacted by rising interest rates on housing loans, which fluctuated between 0.5% and 8.7% since January 2023. This relief will be applied retroactively from that date.

To streamline implementation, CNBS will provide BANHPROVI with a list of affected borrowers, ensuring an efficient allocation of financial assistance.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Honduras will develop monetary policies to support economic, productive, and housing-related activities, including:

Government securities auctions to stabilize financial markets Review of the minimum daily legal reserve requirements for private banks to ease lending conditions

Additionally, the CNBS will reduce capital reserve requirements for banking institutions, enabling them to extend relief to borrowers with overdue payments of 15 to 30 days. This measure will inject approximately 1.53 billion lempiras in liquidity, benefiting 124,000 borrowers across key sectors, including housing.

These strategic interventions aim to mitigate the economic strain on thousands of Honduran families affected by rising mortgage rates. By adjusting financial policies and providing targeted relief, the government seeks to foster economic stability, protect homeownership, and promote long-term financial resilience.

Brussels, February 25, 2025 – GA has successfully led a multidisciplinary consortium in a landmark project for the European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition. The project, titled “Ex Post Evaluation of the Implementation and Effectiveness of EU Antitrust Remedies,” represents a significant achievement in the field of competition law.

Comprehensive Analysis and Legal Expertise

GA managed all legal aspects of the project, showcasing its unparalleled expertise in competition law. The consortium's work involved a thorough examination of the implementation and effectiveness of antitrust remedies imposed by the European Commission over the past 20 years. This included remedies related to agreements (excluding cartels) and abuse of dominant positions under Articles 101 and 102 TFEU.

Key Findings and Insights

The report provides a detailed analysis of over 100 remedy decisions and includes 12 in-depth case studies. These case studies offer valuable insights into the practical challenges and successes of antitrust remedies. The findings reveal that while the majority of remedies were fully implemented, less than half were fully effective in achieving their intended objectives. This highlights the need for continuous improvement in the design and monitoring of antitrust remedies.

Recommendations for Future Practices

Based on the comprehensive analysis, the report offers several recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of antitrust remedies. Key recommendations include:

Ensuring remedies not only stop anticompetitive behaviour but also prevent its recurrence and remove its adverse effects. Removing the statutory subordination of structural to behavioural remedies under Article 7. Enhancing the role of monitoring trustees and considering the appointment of independent advisors in complex cases. Encouraging the use of interim measures and market testing for both Article 7 and Article 9 remedies.

A Collaborative Effort

GA's leadership in this project underscores its commitment to advancing competition law and policy. The consortium's collaborative effort, which included economic analyses by Nera, aims to enhance the understanding and application of antitrust remedies, ensuring fair competition and market integrity within the EU.

Looking Ahead

GA's work on this project sets a new standard for the evaluation of antitrust remedies. The insights and recommendations provided in the report will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, legal practitioners, and competition authorities, guiding future enforcement practices and policies

GA-Leads-Multidisciplinary-Consortium-to-Assist-the-European-Commissions-Directorate-General-for-Competition-in-Evaluating-the-Effectiveness-of-EU-Antitrust-RemediesDownload

Nuova Visione UE per l'Agricoltura e l'Alimentazione: Implicazioni per il Settore agroalimentare

Il 19 febbraio 2025, il vicepresidente esecutivo della Commissione Europea, Raffaele Fitto, e il commissario per l'Agricoltura, Christophe Hansen, hanno presentato la nuova Visione per l'Agricoltura e l'Alimentazione dell’UE. Questo documento strategico definisce le priorità per il settore agroalimentare fino al 2040, ponendo l’accento sulla semplificazione normativa, redistribuzione dei fondi della Politica Agricola Comune (“PAC”) nonché sul protezionismo commerciale e sull’innovazione alimentare.

Questa Visione emerge in un contesto di forti tensioni nel settore agricolo, acuite dalle massicce proteste degli agricoltori a Bruxelles nel 2024. Le manifestazioni hanno evidenziato la crescente insoddisfazione nei confronti delle politiche ambientali e commerciali dell’UE, ritenute eccessivamente vincolanti e penalizzanti per la redditività delle aziende agricole. La Commissione ha quindi dovuto rivedere la strategia “Farm to Fork”, privilegiando il reddito degli agricoltori rispetto a nuove restrizioni ambientali.

Le nuove linee strategiche definiscono l’orientamento che le politiche agroalimentari seguiranno nel secondo mandato di Ursula von der Leyen. Se effettivamente attuate, ridefiniranno profondamente il quadro normativo e finanziario per il settore agroalimentare, introducendo misure che avranno effetti diretti sull’ accesso al mercato, condizioni di finanziamento e regolamentazione.

Di seguito un’analisi dettagliata delle principali misure e delle loro possibili implicazioni per l’industria del settore.

Rottura con la strategia "Farm to Fork" e nuova PAC post-2027 Cambiamento di priorità: La nuova strategia agricola dell’UE segna una rottura con l’approccio “Farm to Fork”, riducendo il peso delle misure climatiche e ambientali obbligatorie e ponendo maggiore attenzione alla redditività agricola e alla semplificazione burocratica. Redistribuzione dei sussidi PAC: I pagamenti diretti saranno più mirati verso giovani agricoltori, aziende miste e aree svantaggiate, mentre le aziende più strutturate vedranno una riduzione progressiva dei finanziamenti. La Commissione prevede tetti massimi ai pagamenti e il superamento del criterio degli ettari, con il rischio che il nuovo sistema penalizzi le aziende zootecniche più grandi. Riorganizzazione dei finanziamenti: Bruxelles valuta di affidare ai governi nazionali la gestione di un unico strumento finanziario, anche per le politiche agrarie. Se approvata, questa misura potrebbe ridurre i fondi destinati direttamente all’agricoltura, aumentando la concorrenza con altri settori per l’accesso alle risorse. Focus sulla sovranità alimentare: La Commissione considera mangimi, fertilizzanti ed energia come vulnerabilità strategiche e punta a ridurre la dipendenza dalle importazioni con un piano d’azione per l’autosufficienza proteica. Se finanziato con fondi PAC, questo programma potrebbe aumentare i costi di alimentazione degli allevamenti, incidendo sulla redditività del settore. Impatto per il settore: La nuova PAC renderà i finanziamenti più selettivi e competitivi, con un possibile taglio dei sussidi per gli allevatori strutturati. Un attento monitoraggio è necessario per affrontare la revisione della PAC nel 2026, al fine di evitare distorsioni che penalizzino la competitività del settore e garantire l’accesso ai nuovi strumenti finanziari. Regole più rigide per riequilibrare la filiera agroalimentare Maggiore trasparenza nei prezzi: La Commissione riconosce il problema della scarsa remunerazione per gli agricoltori e allevatori nella catena del valore. Verranno rafforzati gli strumenti di regolazione, tra cui l’Osservatorio UE sulla filiera agroalimentare (“AFCO”) per monitorare le dinamiche di prezzo. Revisione della Direttiva sulle Pratiche Commerciali Sleali (“UTP”): L’UE intende prevenire situazioni in cui gli allevatori vendono i propri prodotti a prezzi inferiori ai costi di produzione, rafforzando la tutela nei confronti della grande distribuzione e dell’industria della trasformazione. Impatto per il settore: Queste misure potrebbero migliorare il potere negoziale degli allevatori, ma richiederanno un attento monitoraggio per garantire che l’intera filiera possa trarne vantaggio, senza squilibri normativi. Protezionismo sulle importazioni e nuove regole per il commercio internazionale Standard più severi per i prodotti importati: L’UE imporrà ai paesi extra-UE standard di produzione equivalenti a quelli europei, in particolare per quanto riguarda l’uso di pesticidi, il benessere animale e la sicurezza alimentare. Rischio di ritorsioni commerciali: Paesi esportatori come Brasile e Argentina (“Mercosur”) potrebbero reagire con barriere commerciali ai prodotti europei, mettendo a rischio le esportazioni di carne e altri prodotti agroalimentari. Impatto per il settore: Le nuove regole potrebbero ridurre la concorrenza sleale da parte di paesi con standard più bassi, ma allo stesso tempo aumentare i costi di produzione per le aziende europee a causa di una possibile riduzione delle importazioni di mangimi e materie prime. Innovazione alimentare e novel food Sostegno dell’UE alla carne coltivata e ai novel food: La Commissione vuole che l’Europa rimanga leader nell’innovazione alimentare, con un focus su carne coltivata, biotecnologie e biofabbricazione. È previsto un piano di finanziamenti per la ricerca e lo sviluppo di queste tecnologie Regole di etichettatura e trasparenza: Anche se non è ancora stata annunciata una proposta legislativa specifica, la Commissione valuterà una revisione delle norme di etichettatura per garantire maggiore trasparenza ai consumatori. Impatto per il settore: Il rischio è che le alternative innovative ottengano finanziamenti e incentivi, mentre la carne tradizionale venga progressivamente penalizzata da normative più stringenti. Sarà fondamentale garantire che la regolamentazione differenzi chiaramente la carne naturale dai prodotti sintetici, evitando ambiguità sul mercato.

Implicazioni per il settore?

La nuova Visione agricola dell'UE avrà un impatto significativo sul settore agroalimentare, con una riforma della PAC più selettiva, nuove regole commerciali e un forte sostegno ai novel food e alla carne coltivata. Il rischio è che i produttori tradizionali subiscano una riduzione dei sussidi e un aumento della pressione competitiva, mentre le esportazioni potrebbero essere influenzate dalle tensioni commerciali globali.

Per affrontare queste sfide, occorre monitorare da vicino, tra le altre, le seguenti iniziative EU:

Riforma PAC: Garantire che la revisione del 2026 non penalizzi gli allevatori strutturati con tagli eccessivi ai sussidi. Filiera agroalimentare: Seguire la revisione della Direttiva UTP per proteggere gli allevatori senza appesantire la burocrazia. Protezionismo commerciale: Monitorare l'accordo UE-Mercosur per evitare ritorsioni sui prodotti europei. Etichettatura e novel food: Assicurare che le nuove regole distinguano chiaramente la carne tradizionale dalle alternative sintetiche. Sovranità alimentare: Valutare l’impatto della strategia UE sulle proteine vegetali per evitare aumenti nei costi di alimentazione animale. Diversificazione dell’export: Espandere la presenza in mercati alternativi per ridurre la dipendenza attuale. Advocacy attiva a Bruxelles: Rafforzare il posizionamento del settore nei processi legislativi UE, evitando regolamentazioni penalizzanti.

ll settore agroalimentare dovrà dunque muoversi con un’azione di lobbying mirata per difendere la propria competitività in un contesto normativo in trasformazione

Europa in prima linea alla Conferenza sulla Sicurezza di Monaco – Alla Conferenza sulla Sicurezza di Monaco, la Presidente della Commissione Europea Ursula von der Leyen ha lanciato un messaggio chiaro: l’Europa deve rafforzarsi per affrontare le sfide globali. La Presidente ha ribadito i pericoli di una guerra commerciale sostenendo che i dazi sono un rischio per lavoratori e imprese su entrambe le sponde dell’Atlantico. L’UE vuole evitarli ma è pronta a rispondere con fermezza a misure ingiustificate. Invariato anche il sostegno all'Ucraina. Secondo la von de Leyen una sconfitta ucraina sarebbe un duro colpo per l’Europa e gli Stati Uniti, utile solo a rafforzare i regimi autoritari. L’UE ha già stanziato 134 miliardi di euro e continuerà a sostenere Kyiv. Infine, la Presidente ha annunciato che la Commissione proporrà di attivare una clausola speciale del Patto di Stabilità per consentire ai Paesi membri di aumentare la spesa per la difesa, garantendo così una maggiore sicurezza per l’Europa. “L’Europa si sta adattando, sta agendo, sta facendo la differenza – subito”, ha dichiarato von der Leyen.

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L'UE Rafforza le Relazioni Globali: Focus su Messico, India, Giappone e Caraibi – L’Unione Europea continua a rafforzare la sua presenza internazionale con nuove partnership strategiche. Il 13 febbraio, a Città del Messico, l’UE e il Messico hanno siglato un impegno congiunto su clima e ambiente durante l'11° Dialogo ad Alto Livello, discutendo decarbonizzazione industriale, protezione delle foreste e adattamento climatico in vista della COP30. Si ricordi anche la firma dell’accordo con il Mercosur avvenuta il 6 dicembre 2024; accordo che presenta importanti implicazioni economiche e politiche e di cui è possibile trovare un’analisi approfondita nel nostro sito web e nei nostri canali social. Il 27-28 febbraio, la Presidente Ursula von der Leyen guiderà il Collegio dei Commissari a Nuova Delhi per rafforzare la partnership con il Primo Ministro Modi su commercio, sicurezza economica e transizione digitale, con il secondo Consiglio per il Commercio e la Tecnologia (TTC) al centro delle discussioni. Il 18 febbraio, UE e Giappone hanno tenuto il secondo Dialogo di Alto Livello sul Clima, riaffermando il loro impegno per la neutralità climatica e discutendo carbon tax, finanza sostenibile e COP30. Intanto, von der Leyen ha partecipato al Vertice CARICOM, lanciando investimenti chiave per la transizione energetica nei Caraibi, come un progetto da 160 milioni di euro sull’idrogeno verde, e annunciando un pacchetto di 19,5 milioni di euro per sostenere Haiti. Con queste iniziative, l’UE consolida il suo ruolo di partner globale affidabile e innovativo. 

Link per maggiori informazioni sui rapporti con il Messico Link per maggiori informazioni sui rapporti con l’India Link per maggiori informazioni sui rapporti con il Giappone Link per maggiori informazioni sui rapporti con i Caraibi

Il Consiglio dell'EU chiede priorità, solidarietà e realismo per il bilancio 2026 – Il Consiglio dell’UE ha fissato le linee guida per il bilancio annuale 2026, dando indicazioni chiave alla Commissione per la preparazione della bozza. Il bilancio dovrà essere realistico e prudente, garantendo allo stesso tempo risorse adeguate per i programmi dell’Unione, come il piano RESTORE e NextGenerationEU. Inoltre, la Commissione dovrà prevedere riallocazioni di fondi in linea con il Quadro Finanziario Pluriennale rivisto (2021-2027), tenendo conto delle sfide dell’UE, inclusa la migrazione. Al centro delle priorità resta anche il sostegno continuo all'Ucraina, sia nell’immediato che per la ricostruzione a lungo termine. Si noti che per il quadro finanziario pluriennale (QFP) attuale, vale a dire il bilancio a lungo termine dell'UE, sono aperte le consultazioni pubbliche e la Commissione invita tutti gli interessati a fornire il proprio parere entro il 6 maggio 2025.

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Nuovo Certificato Elettronico per l’Esenzione IVA. Aggiornata anche la lista delle giurisdizioni non cooperative a fini fiscali – Il Consiglio UE ha approvato un pacchetto legislativo che introduce il certificato elettronico per l’esenzione IVA, rivoluzionando le procedure fiscali per le imprese. L’obiettivo? Meno burocrazia, più efficienza e costi ridotti. Tuttavia, l’uso del certificato digitale diventerà obbligatorio solo dal 30 giugno 2032, dando il tempo agli Stati membri di prepararsi per una transizione senza intoppi. Sempre in materia di tasse, l’UE ha aggiornato la lista delle giurisdizioni non cooperative, mantenendo 11 Paesi nella Lista Nera, tra cui Panama e Russia. Inoltre, 8 giurisdizioni, come Turchia e Seychelles, restano sotto osservazione per migliorare la loro governance fiscale.

Link per maggiori informazioni sul nuovo certificato elettronico per l’IVA Link per maggiori informazioni sulla lista delle giurisdizioni

I giovani europei vivono tra le fake news ma sono realmente preoccupati per il costo della vita – Secondo l'ultimo sondaggio dell’Eurobarometro, i giovani europei (16-30 anni) sono fortemente preoccupati per l'aumento dei prezzi e il costo della vita, con il 40% dei partecipanti che mette queste questioni al primo posto. Inoltre, un terzo degli intervistati ritiene che l'UE debba concentrarsi sul cambiamento climatico, seguito dalla necessità di creare posti di lavoro. La sicurezza, soprattutto in paesi dell'Est come Repubblica Ceca e Polonia, è un'altra grande preoccupazione. Per quanto riguarda il mondo dell'informazione, il 42% degli intervistati si informa principalmente tramite social media, con Instagram e TikTok in cima alle preferenze. Tuttavia, la consapevolezza della disinformazione è alta: il 76% degli intervistati ammette di essere stato esposto a notizie false, ma il 70% è sicuro di poterle riconoscere. Questi temi saranno al centro dell'EYE2025, l'evento del Parlamento Europeo che riunirà giovani di tutta Europa per discutere il futuro del continente.

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L’UE Accelera la Transizione Verde con la Net-Zero Europe Platform – Il 19 febbraio a Bruxelles la Commissione Europea ha dato ufficialmente il via alla Net-Zero Europe Platform, un nuovo hub strategico per attuare il Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) e spingere l’industria europea verso un futuro a emissioni zero. Il NZIA, in vigore da giugno 2024, è il pilastro per l’innovazione e lo sviluppo delle tecnologie pulite in Europa. Durante la prima riunione, sono stati creati quattro gruppi di lavoro su progetti strategici e finanziamenti, accesso ai mercati, autorizzazioni e acceleratori industriali, oltre alle accademie net-zero per formare le competenze del futuro.

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WindEurope 2025 per i Leader del Futuro nel Settore Energetico! – Le istituzioni europee invitano gli studenti con la passione per l'energia rinnovabile a partecipare all'evento annuale WindEurope 2025 a Copenaghen (8-10 aprile) con accesso gratuito e completo alla conferenza, all'esposizione e a un programma speciale dedicato a esplorare le carriere nel settore dell'energia eolica. 'evento, il più grande in Europa, vedrà la partecipazione di 15.000 professionisti e 500 espositori pronti a discutere delle ultime innovazioni e tendenze del settore. Sarà possibile poi partecipare a panel sulle opportunità professionali in ingegneria, IT, business e scienze ambientali, visitare esposizioni tecnologiche all'avanguardia, e parlare con esperti e reclutatori in un ambiente informale.

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Torino è la Capitale dell’Innovazione e del Turismo Smart 2025! – Torino è stata designata Capitale Europea del Turismo Intelligente 2025. La città si distingue per iniziative che promuovono accessibilità, sostenibilità, digitalizzazione e valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale. Con luoghi iconici come il Museo Egizio e le Residenze Savoia, la città offre esperienze che combinano storia e innovazione. Torino è anche un esempio di sostenibilità, con spazi verdi che coprono il 35,6% del territorio e un sistema di mobilità eco-friendly. La città, con piattaforme digitali come Turismabile e un’app di mobilità integrata e soluzioni cashless e integrate con l’AI, ha conquistato questo titolo e attirerà ancora più turisti da tutto il mondo.

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USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA FOR THE ISSUE OF INVOICES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS IN VENEZUELA

The National Tax Administration in Venezuela recently decided to regulate the use of digital media for the issuance of invoices and other tax documents, aiming at adapting taxation to new technologies. 

The application of the technology to invoicing must be implemented by certain entities, which must file a request for authorization with the National Superintendence of Internal Taxes of the National Tax Administration; that is, said entities must be duly authorized. To that end, their request must be accompanied by the requirements established in the new tax regulation and will be approved or denied by the Superintendence in a period of 30 business days.

The entities subject to the obligation to implement the digital invoicing, according to the new tax regulation, are the following: (i) entities that perform commercial operations solely through electronic means or web portals; and (ii) entities bound to use tax machines and which simultaneously perform commercial operations through electronic means or web portals. In addition, the entities that are not subject to use tax machines may choose to use this type of invoicing.

A three-month transition period was established for implementing this type of invoicing, for purposes of adaptation to the same and in order to meet the requirement of request for authorization from the National Tax Administration.

With the implementation of this new regulation, the National Tax Administration seeks to couple tax rules on invoicing with the technological development of the last years, aiming to adapt the national taxation to the new economic and technological realities and assure a greater efficiency in tax processes.