The revised double taxation agreement between Switzerland and Greece, which allows for the exchange of information upon request in accordance with the latest OECD standard, has been in force since 2012. Moreover, Switzerland and the EU initialled an agreement regarding the automatic exchange of information in tax matters on 19 March 2015. Subject to ratification, this should enter into force in 2017 and would also include Greece. In this way, tax fraud and evasion can be combatted more effectively in the future.

Before the automatic exchange of information enters into force, it would be beneficial if it could be made possible for taxpayers to resolve their issues with the authorities concerning any previously undeclared assets, as several EU countries have already done. Switzerland is prepared to cooperate with Greece in order for a viable solution to be found quickly to ensure taxation and prevent capital outflows to uncooperative financial centres.

Today's constructive and factual discussion made it possible for both sides to get an update and for the dialogue to be strengthened. It was agreed to pursue the talks in the next few weeks.

Address for enquiries

Mario Tuor, Head of Communications, State Secretariat for International Financial Matters SIF
tel. +41 58 462 46 16, mario.tuor@sif.admin.ch

Publisher

State Secretariat for International Financial Matters
http://www.sif.admin.ch