The European Council has agreed both the criteria and the process for the establishment of an EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions in taxation matters.
It is anticipated that the Council will be able to endorse the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions by the end of 2017, following the conclusion of the initial screening process. It was noted that screening is intended to be a continuous and regular process.
Work on potential defensive measures at EU level is continuing as well, with endorsement also expected by the Council by the end of next year. It was noted, though, that dialogue will be established with those countries that fail to comply with the criteria established, and only those jurisdictions refusing to cooperate and fulfil the criteria in due time will be placed on the so-called blacklist. According to Peter Kažimír, Slovak Minister for Finance and President of the Council, *”Our primary goal is to incentivise, not to punish.”*
The President also said, *”Today’s agreement between all member states is an essential part of our joint EU strategy to combat global challenges such as tax base erosion and profit shifting. It proves that we are delivering on our drive to be a frontrunner in this field”.*
[European Council Release](http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2016/11/08-taxation-criteria-third-country-jurisdictions/?utm_source=dsms-auto&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Taxation%3a+Council+agrees+criteria+for+the+screening+of+third+country+jurisdictions)
[November 2016 Council conclusions on the establishment of an EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions](http://dsms.consilium.europa.eu/952/system/newsletter.asp?id=3935320D363833330D383637390D353034390D33313039360D300D30464232323934350D310D0D300D32363432330D372E372E302E31363734380D31)