Andreas Neocleous & Co LLC

Overview of SEPA - The Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) is an initiative of the European banking industry to simplify all electronic payments across the euro area by credit card, debit card, bank transfer or direct debit and to make them as easy as domestic payments within one country are now.

EU leader Member States agreed on a new Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Convergence in the Economic and Monetary Union. The European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Treaty was signed by euro area Member States on 2 February 2012 and ratification is pending by the 17 euro area Member States. The target date of its operation is July 2012, a year earlier than expected.

Directive 2009/109/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009, regarding the simplification of the rules on merger and divisions, has not been yet implemented in some Member States of the EU. Cyprus is one of those Member States which failed to fulfill their obligations and commitments under the relevant Directive.

Geostrategic and financial interests regarding gas exploration and exploitation

EU labor law in offshore gas-drilling operations has been recently challenged in the case of Salemink v. Raad van bestuur van het Uitvoeringsinstituut werknemersverzekeringen, in the judgment of the Court’s Grand Chamber in January, 17, 2012.

The protection of EU’s financial interests reflect s the basic targets and objectives of the European Union to suppress the illegal traffic of products as well as counterfeiting activities within EU Member States. Hercule I and II, as well as Pericles constitute the means and the tools with the aid of which, relevant European and national authorities will be empowered to take all the measures needed and execute the harmonized strategy of the Union.

The new package of measures adopted by the European Commission regarding the action to be followed for growth governance and stability contains four elements: the 2012 Annual Growth Survey consists of priorities for the coming year, a Green Paper on the feasibility of introducing Stability Bonds and two new Regulations to further strengthen budgetary surveillance in the Euro area. By adopting this package, the European Union focuses on the strengthening of the Eurozone governance.

Given the new globalization effects in modern societies and the consequences of the financial crisis, EU adopted a new approach towards immigration policy. This European policy intends to establish bilateral and multilateral agreements with EU neighbors and other countries presenting immigration flows towards the EU, in order to benefit the human capital from the countries concerned.

Introduction - Environmentally sustainable management at an international level requires reliable information on the natural environment, as well as sharing of knowledge on the social, economic, legal and political systems. Environmental impacts of human activities on the deep sea floor are of increasing international concern.

The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Regulation and its impact on Cyprus Republic. The European Commission adopted on October 2011, a plan with a huge budgetary importance of around 50 billion euro aiming at improving EU’s transport, energy and networks.

Finance ministers and Central Bank governors of European Union Member States debated during the last informal Economic and Financial ECOFIN Council of September 17, the current condition of the economy and the situation in sovereign bond markets. The debate on the European Union’s financial stability was also attended by representatives of European financial oversight authorities.

New legislation to present abuses to the disclosure of deals. New rules were adopted September 14, 2011 by the European Parliament to prevent abuses in wholesale energy trading for the final protection of consumers. According to the legislation, wholesale trading will be monitored independently across the EU, in order to enable Member States to prevent and punish anti-competitive behaviors.

All European Union countries have been affected between 2008 and 2010 by the economic and financial crisis and after a contraction in 2009 in every EU country, except Poland, growth returned in 2010 in all but five peripheral countries. While in 2010 several countries continued to support their economies through discretionary measures, other countries had less room for maneuvers given their underlying public finance situation trying to consolidate them.

Following the implementation of the 6th Environment Action Program (EAP), which was adopted on 22 July 2002 and provided the framework of EU’S Environment legislation and extended the Natura 2000 network, the European Commission adopted on 31 August 2011 the final assessment of the 6th EAP (2002-2012).

Based on Eurostat’s researches, the Republic of Cyprus disposes a very promising feedback from the energy saving and the renewable energy schemes, as more and more people apply for the available funding.

The Czech Republic has concluded another agreement on exchange of information on tax matters (TIEA). Following the signing of similar agreements with the British Virgin Islands on 13 June 2011 and the Isle of Man on 18 July 2011, the Czech Republic concluded and signed a TIEA with Bermuda on 15 August 2011.

In March 2011, the European Commission adopted a plan for saving more energy through concrete measures. Energy efficiency is a key tool to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and reduce energy dependence, as well as the level of emissions. The measures proposed aim at creating substantial benefits for businesses and public authorities.

The package of measures proposed by the European Commission aiming towards better regulated immigration flows from the southern Mediterranean region as well as the proposal to amend EU Regulation on visas consists of the new incentives of EU bodies for a fair, credible and effective EU immigration policy.

The Isle of Man and the Czech Republic signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) on 18 July to regulate and facilitate the exchange of tax information between them. The TIEA will enter into force after both parties have completed all required ratification procedures and exchanged corresponding notifications. Most of its provisions will then take effect immediately, with the remainder taking effect on the following 1 January.

On 19 July 2011, the European Commission issued a list of the first sustainable voluntary schemes for biofuels recognized directly in the 27 EU Member States. According to the Energy Commissioner, Günther Oettinger, the EU has to secure the entire biofuels production and supply with the highest sustainability standards in the world under a transparent and reliable system.

On 17 December 2010 the European Council agreed on the need for a Eurozone area and on the establishment of a permanent stability mechanism which will intervene by providing financial assistance to the Eurozone Member States after June 2013.

The Council concluded on 12 July 2011 the first European Semester which has been implemented this year, for the first time, as part of a broader reform of the EU’s economic governance. Based on the European Council’s decision a recommendation has been adopted on the implementation of the Eurozone Member States’ economic policies as well as a recommendation on its National Reform Program 2011 and the Stability Program 2011-2014 for each Member State.

The European Commission has faced the challenge of being able to fund a number of policy areas where the EU could be more effective, by acting at EU level, in preparing its proposals for the future budget of the European Union. In its proposal, based on the Europe 2020 Growth Strategy, a new funding potential can be seen attempting to ease the direct impact of the national budgets with the creation of a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

In the European Commission’s Communication regarding the contribution of the regional policy in the area of smart growth in the Europe 2020 strategy, the central role of European regions in this process is primarily recognized.

Following the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting of 9 and 10 June 2011, the Council discussed the political guidelines for the future work of the following issues:

The lists of third countries whose nationals should be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement have been amended on several occasions. When introducing or lifting a visa obligation for a third country the current procedure can take several years. It has become clear that further technical modifications to the main text of the Regulation (EC) No. 539/2001 are needed.

Under EU law, when a national of a Member State resides legally in another Member State, his or her spouse is allowed to remain with him or her even when the spouse is not a national of an EU Member State.

During the ongoing crisis, the private and public sectors are under attack, often unable to react to the destructive power of evolution. Trade transactions are hit by uncertainty due to the ongoing liquidity constraints.

The Russian Federation is one of the most important partners for the European Union. A key priority for the EU is to build a strong strategic partnership with Russia based on a solid foundation of mutual respect. Moreover, Russia is the largest neighbor of the EU with a dynamic market for EU goods and services and the EU’s market, on the other hand, is by far the most important destination for Russian exports.

The European Commission, in its Communication published 20 December, aims to make Member States tax systems more compatible in order to facilitate cross-border activities between citizens from neighboring States. Eventually new measures could make it easier for individuals living, working or moving abroad to confront double taxation, tax refunds reclaim, cross-border income, inheritance taxes, dividend taxes, car registration taxes and E-Commerce.

The Hungarian Presidency adopted the decision authorizing the signature for the convention on behalf of the EU on 14 April 2011 without any discussion at a meeting on the Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

The European Commission called Cyprus to comply with EU rules which grant to nationals from the European Union as well as from Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, the right to purchase property in the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus is still maintaining its restrictive measures and as a result EU and EEA nationals cannot exercise their right.

In April 2009, the European Commission issued a Communication on “Good Governance in Tax Matters” with the intention to launch a debate about concrete actions that could be taken to better promote the principles of good governance in the tax area (transparency, exchange of information and fair tax competition). The aim of the Commission to improve synergies between tax and development policies becomes concrete with the Council Directive 2011/16/EU of 15 February 2011.

Since 1992, the European Union has operated three programs of product designations in order to promote and protect the names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs. They fall into two categories: those linked to a territory and those relating to a particular production method.

The presentation of a “Pact of Competitiveness” at the EU summit on 4 February by Germany and France was the plan for the Eurozone Member States to agree on a closer economic convergence in order to restore competitiveness to the euro area.

As a general rule, a charge created by a Cyprus company conferring security on the company’s property or undertaking constitutes a charge registrable under Section 90 of the Companies Law CAP 113.

Federal law 7-FZ “On clearing and clearing activity” dated 7 February 2011 and Federal law 8-FZ “On implementation of amendments to certain Russian laws in compliance with the Federal law “On clearing and clearing activity” dated 7 February 2011 (“the new clearing legislation”) have been adopted by the State Duma, approved by the Federal Council, signed by the President and officially published. They will enter into force on 1 January 2012.

Limitation periods in Cyprus are set out in the Limitation of Actions Law (Cap 15), which dates back to the time when Cyprus was a British colony. The Limitations Law was suspended in 1964 following intercommunal disturbances and it has effectively remained suspended ever since.

The Merchant Shipping (Fees and Taxing Provisions) Law of 2010 (the Tonnage Tax Law) left certain issues of detail to be determined by the Cyprus Department of Merchant Shipping ("DMS"). The DMS has now issued Notifications setting out requirements for qualifying ship managers and prescribing the arrangements for calculation and payment of tax by owners and charterers of foreign ships and ship managers. A summary of their main provisions is given below.

Following the visit of Russian President Medvedev to Cyprus and the signing of the Protocol to the double taxation agreement on behalf of the governments of both countries, it was expected that the amended treaty would be ratified by the Parliaments of the two countries before the end of 2010 and would become effective from 1 January 2011. This timetable was not realised and, assuming the amended treaty is ratified during 2011, it will take effect on 1 January 2012.

In the Czech Republic, work is nearing completion on the revision of one of the most fundamental laws, namely the Civil Code.

Circulars issued by the Russian tax authorities in 2010 clarify their interpretation of certain aspects of the existing Cyprus-Russia double taxation agreement, specifically the presence required to give rise to a permanent establishment, the deeming of excessive interest as dividends and the treatment of the proceeds of liquidation of a Cyprus company in the hands of Russian taxpayers.

A summary and practical guidance on its impact on contractual obligations concluded by Cyprus companies.

Thoughts on the question whether the born-to-be European private company could potentially compete with a private limited liability company under Cyprus law.

E-justice, the use of Internet technology in handling various administrative procedures before, during and after the administration of justice, provides a host of possibilities throughout the legal process, from lobbying through to the provision of remote authoritative legal information and certificates. It is seen by many as the key to streamlining and expediting justice.

After the publication of the Annual Growth Survey (AGS) by the European Commission, the Hungarian Presidency undertook to implement the first ever "European Semester" a six-month period of each year in which member states' budgetary and structural policies are reviewed to identify any inconsistencies and emerging imbalances, so as to facilitate coordination before major budgetary decisions are finalized.

On 18 October 2010 the European Commission launched a consultation on electronic procurement in the public sector. In the now standard form of the Green Paper, consultation will seek to gather the views of stakeholders on how the EU can help Member States to accelerate and facilitate the procedures for issuing public tenders.

Following the approval by the European Parliament of a reforms package on European financial supervision, the Council has adopted the legal texts establishing the European Systemic Risk Board and three new supervisory authorities, aimed at eliminating deficiencies in the banking sector, the stock markets and the insurance market.

The Cyprus Competition Commission has issued its decision 4/2010 in the complaint of I &A Mylonas Limited, a petrol station operator, against Exxon Mobil Cyprus Limited and Lukoil Cyprus Limited concerning their refusal to supply petroleum products in alleged contravention of 6(2) of the Competition Law.

Details of the new double tax treaty between Cyprus and Kuwait have now been made public. The new treaty, signed on 5 October 2010, will take effect when it has been ratified by both countries. Until then the existing treaty, which dates back to 1984, will continue in effect.

Details of the new double tax treaty between Cyprus and Denmark have now been released. The new treaty, signed on 11 October 2010, will take effect when it has been ratified by both countries. Until then the existing treaty, which dates back to 1981, will continue in effect.

Following its emergence as an independent state, Slovenia adopted the double taxation agreement dated 29 June 1985 between the former Yugoslavia and Cyprus. A new double taxation agreement has now been agreed between Cyprus and Slovenia. It was signed on 12 October 2010 and will take effect when it has been formally ratified by both countries. Until then the existing 1985 treaty will continue in effect.

The Cyprus Department of Merchant Shipping has published an updated list of countries whose certificates of seamen’s competency are recognized by Cyprus.

The Merchant Shipping (Fees and Taxing Provisions) Law of 2010 (the Tonnage Tax Law) left certain issues of detail to be determined by the Cyprus Department of Merchant Shipping. The Department has now issued Notifications setting out the arrangements for payment of tonnage tax by owners of ships on the Cyprus Register, the definition of Community ship for the purposes of the Tonnage Tax Law and the towage and dredging activities which qualify for taxation under the tonnage tax regime.

The European Commission has recently published a number of new Regulations and Directives regarding UCITS.

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (“CYSEC”) has recently issued directive DI 144-2007-09 on General Meetings of the members of the Investment Compensation Funds for the clients of Cyprus Investment Firms, pursuant to the provisions of the Investment Services and Activities and Regulated Markets Law (Law 144(I) of 2007) as amended, transposing MiFID into Cyprus legislation.

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (“CYSEC”) has recently issued a circular drawing the attention of persons operating credit rating agencies (“CRAs”) in Cyprus to Regulation (EC) No 1060/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which puts in place a common regulatory regime for the publication of credit ratings.

The additional protocol to the Cyprus – Italy agreement on the avoidance of double taxation, which was signed on 28 May 2009, has now been ratified by both countries and has come into effect. The additional protocol provides for the exchange of bank and other information based on the OECD Model Tax Convention.

This article reports on the amendment of the Assessment and Collection of Taxes Law to incorporate the exchange of information provisions of Article 26 of the OECD Model Tax Convention of 2005 in double taxation agreements which have been concluded between Cyprus and other jurisdictions.