Council of the EU: Two current approvals

In two press statements the European Council approved the conclusions on a strategy for the EU’s engagement in global digital affairs and updates in the field of taxation of cooperation agreements with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino

Conclusions on a strategy for the EU’s engagement in global digital affairs

Today, the Council approved conclusions on advancing the international digital strategy for the EU. The conclusions set out an ambitious vision for how the EU will engage in global digital affairs.

The strategy is structured around 5 main objectives:

• Placing digital and technology at the centre of EU external action
• Building partnerships and alliances
• Strengthening the global role and influence of the EU tech industry
• Partnering for a secure and trusted digital transformation
• Ensuring the EU leads in global digital governance

EU Council, press release of 20 November 2025.

 

Taxation: Updates of cooperation agreements with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino

The Council approved updated EU tax cooperation and transparency agreements with five non-EU countries - Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco and San Marino. The updated agreements reflect new international standards in the field, as developed by the OECD. They expand the automatic exchange of financial account information between the EU and those countries to include electronic money products and digital currencies.

The new protocols also establish a new framework for cooperation between partners on recovery of value-added tax (VAT) and on the prevention of tax fraud and tax evasion.

In addition, they strengthen due diligence and reporting requirements, allowing tax administrations to act faster and more effectively on the information they receive.

The updated agreements will now enter into force on 1 January 2026. The EU will also seek to now deepen cooperation in tax matters even further with Switzerland.

EU Council, press release of 20 November 2025.