On 9 October, EU finance ministers agreed on the latest revision of the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.
The update reflects both progress made by jurisdictions through cooperation with the EU and remaining concerns in the areas of tax transparency and fair taxation.
Updates made to Annex I
The Council decided to remove Panama and Vietnam from Annex I, the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions, following significant steps taken to address outstanding issues. Both jurisdictions were moved to Annex II (the list of cooperative jurisdictions) pending an in-depth review by the Global Forum of their exchange of information frameworks. This development confirms the positive effects of constructive engagement with jurisdictions on tax good governance matters.
The Council also recognised the progress achieved by Vanuatu on tax transparency, although the jurisdiction remains in Annex I due to outstanding concerns in another area.
In turn, further concerns were identified for Anguilla, as the jurisdiction did not address the issues related to its exchange of information framework. The Council regrets this development and has invited the jurisdiction to engage with the EU’s Code of Conduct Group and the Global Forum to resolve the issues.
Following these changes, Annex I comprises 8 jurisdictions: American Samoa, Anguilla, Guam, Palau, the Russian Federation, Turks and Caicos, US Virgin Islands, and Vanuatu.
Progress identified in Annex II
Annex II, the list of cooperative jurisdictions, reflects the ongoing EU cooperation with international partners.
Belize is removed from Annex II after taking the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the international standard on exchange of information on request.
Montenegro fulfilled its commitment to be granted an in-depth review by the Global Forum but will remain under monitoring pending the publication of the outcome.
Brunei Darussalam was granted additional time to bring its tax framework in line with the principles of fair taxation.
As a result, Annex II currently includes 10 jurisdictions: British Virgin Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Eswatini, Greenland, Jordan, Montenegro, Morocco, Panama, Türkiye and Viet Nam. The EU will closely monitor relevant developments in each jurisdiction.
Background
The EU list serves as a tool to encourage jurisdictions to adopt robust tax governance standards, combatting tax fraud, evasion, and avoidance worldwide. Based on objective, internationally recognised criteria—such as tax transparency and adherence to anti-BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) standards—the list facilitates dialogue and cooperation between the EU and international partners.
The EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes is an intergovernmental process led by the Council. The European Commission provides technical assistance to jurisdictions in the scope of the exercise seeking to improve their tax frameworks and collaborates with EU Member States to revise and strengthen the listing criteria in line with international developments. Ongoing efforts include enhancing coordination among Member States on applying defensive tax measures against listed jurisdictions. The list is reviewed twice annually to ensure it remains relevant and accurate over time.
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For further information
Common EU list of third country jurisdictions for tax purposes
Council conclusions on the revised EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes
EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes (Consilium)
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