The Council of the European Union (Economic and Financial Affairs) will adopt a regulation on access of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) to VAT information at EU level at its meeting on 10 July 2026 in Brussels, according to a provisional list of 'A' items published on 25 June 2026. The regulation, based on a Commission proposal under a special legislative procedure, will allow EPPO and OLAF to access VAT data to combat fraud and cross-border crime. The move strengthens EU-level enforcement capabilities against VAT fraud, which costs member states billions annually.
The Council will also adopt a decision imposing restrictive measures in view of the situation in Haiti, and a decision terminating the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with Liberia on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber products. Additionally, it will approve the interim use of cryptographic products, and note a new Croatian commemorative coin.
Non-legislative appointments, approved by Coreper on 24 June 2026, include one member from Belgium for the Advisory Committee for the Coordination of Social Security Systems, one member from Denmark for the Management Board of the European Foundation of Living and Working Conditions, and one member from Luxembourg for the same board.
The regulation granting EPPO and OLAF access to VAT information is expected to enhance cross-border fraud detection and prosecution, benefiting EU taxpayers and law enforcement agencies. However, it may raise data privacy concerns for businesses and individuals whose VAT data becomes accessible to EU bodies. The Council's adoption formalises the measure, which will then enter into force following publication in the Official Journal.