Romanian Govt To Send New Car Tax Letter To EC

The government decided in Wednesday’s meeting to send a new letter to the European Commission regarding the car tax, presenting a new tax calculation method, government sources told MEDIAFAX.

"A document will be sent presenting the new principles for the calculation of the car tax,” the sources said.

The government also approved a memorandum redefining the calculation method for the car tax.

Romania’s economy and finance minister Varujan Vosganian said Tuesday he would present the government, together with the environment minister, a new memorandum on the car tax, to take into account the Parliament’s recommendations. He added the ordinance introducing the tax would be adopted by the end of the month.

He added there is no question of giving the money back to people who already paid the tax if the normative act has the approval of the EU and the infringement procedure is suspended. Also, Vosganian admitted the possibility for the government to refund part of the tax, following final court rulings.
Also Tuesday, Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu said the government would consider the elements included in the simple motion against the car tax adopted by the Chamber of Deputies.

The Chamber in plenary session adopted the simple motion "Cancel the first registration tax", 158 to 89 votes and seven abstentions.

Chamber speaker Bogdan Olteanu said the stipulations in the motion are not mandatory for the government.

The Romanian Automotive Manufacturers and Importers Association (APIA) said Monday it supports the proposal to apply the car tax depending on CO2 emissions and pollution norms.