Heidi Hautala has given together with other parliamentarians her support for the Financial Transaction Tax in advance of the meeting of European leaders at their next Council on 23-24 June.[:]

The initiative follows from 1,000 economists from across the globe, who recently pledged their support for the Financial Transaction Tax.

Parliamentarian’s Declaration for the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT)

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, PARLIAMENTARIANS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, DECLARE THAT:

We are committed to the implementation of taxes on financial transactions, such as shares, bonds, foreign exchange and derivatives, in order to raise substantial additional finance to combat poverty, climate change and health challenges and protect public services and jobs; and to improve the stability of the world’s financial system.

In the light of the recent economic crisis caused by the financial sector and the immense costs to citizens in both the developed and developing world, it is time for the sector responsible to make a far greater contribution to help safeguard livelihoods and save lives.

We urge Governments both in Europe, where some states such as France and Germany are already taking a lead, and in every country around the world, to take all steps necessary for an early introduction of FTTs, noting that progress by a coalition of willing states, or at the Euro-zone or EU level, is urgently required and entirely feasible.