The Taxpayers Association of Europe (TAE) is awarding the Taxpayers’ Prize to EU Commissioner Michel Barnier and to Dr Inge Gräßle, Member of the European Parliament.

The European Taxpayers’ Association Award – which will be presented for the 14th time in Brussels on 4 November 2013 – goes this year to EU Commissioner Michel Barnier and to Dr Inge Gräßle, Member of the European Parliament.

Michel Barnier, Commissioner for the Internal Market, is being honoured for his commitment to improving competitiveness and sustainable growth in Europe. His efforts to facilitate cross-border trade, ease the burden on businesses, cut red tape, strengthen consumer rights, minimise the costs associated with public procurement, improve the protection of intellectual property and promote digitalisation in Europe are particularly commendable, said President Rolf von Hohenhau. And all this against the backdrop of ‘corporate social responsibility’. According to the European Taxpayers’ Association, Commissioner Barnier is absolutely right when he says: ‘Europe could do more for its citizens and should focus its efforts on growth and development.’

MEP Dr Inge Gräßle, a member of the European Parliament’s Committees on Budgets and Budgetary Control, is being honoured for her long-standing fight against the misuse of taxpayers’ money and tax evasion, her commitment to greater transparency and efficiency in EU administration, and for better oversight and use of the EU budget. “
European citizens expect the utmost care to be taken in the handling of their taxes”, said Rolf von Hohenhau. “In this context, Dr Gräßle is our hope and the guarantor that the use of EU funds is not only monitored but also critically scrutinised.”

The award ceremony will take place on 4 November 2013 from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm at the Representation of Baden-Württemberg, Rue Belliard 60–62, 1040 Brussels.

The welcome address will be given by TAE President Rolf von Hohenhau. The laudatory speech will be delivered by Senator Mario Monti, former Prime Minister of Italy and recipient of the 2011 TAE Prize.

Following the ceremony, a reception will be held at the Representation of Baden-Württemberg in Brussels.

The prize is awarded in collaboration with the European Economic Senate (EES) and Concilius Europe.