The original proposal to adopt an EU-wide FTT did not go ahead because it did not get the support of all Member States. Although unanimity is in principle required for EU tax harmonization initiatives, an alternative procedure known as ‘enhanced cooperation’ allows a smaller group of Member States (a minimum of nine) to adopt such initiatives, subject to certain conditions and authorizations. Initially, the following EU Member States had indicated that they wanted to proceed with this enhanced cooperation procedure: Austria, Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia and Spain.

Following Estonia’s authoritative detachment into the , ten Member Says are currently engaging in the new negotiations according to the increased collaboration process to the modified proposition. Read more