THE HAGUE - Significant skepticism has emerged among the parliamentary factions of NSC, PVV, and VVD regarding the Curaçao government's desire to finalize a tax treaty with the Republic of Malta. Assessing the treaty's impact on (legal) economic relations, concerns are raised over its perceived insignificance and potential benefits, particularly within the international gambling sector. 

Members of the NSC faction question whether the treaty indeed paves the way for profits from remote gambling operators, operating globally, including within the Netherlands, to be channeled to companies or individuals in third countries. Additionally, they inquire whether the treaty could be misused to facilitate the transfer of funds via Malta and/or Curaçao to other countries, including those in South America. 

Meanwhile, the PVV faction seeks clarity on Malta's efforts to combat tax evasion or avoidance, especially considering previous reports highlighting Malta as a prominent destination for such practices. The potential consequences for Curaçao are also of interest to the PVV. 

Echoing similar concerns, the VVD emphasizes that the draft treaty falls short of meeting the BEPS minimum standards aimed at curbing aggressive forms of tax avoidance. This critique underscores broader apprehensions within Dutch parliamentary circles regarding the implications of the proposed Curaçao-Malta tax treaty.