Le premier but de cette thèse de doctorat est d’analyser les aspects internationaux de la fiscalité directe des entreprises dans les pays baltes en comparant les règles des pays baltes avec les propositions de l’OCDE, les exigences du droit communautaire ainsi qu’avec les règles des autres pays européens. On analyse si les systèmes de fiscalité directe des pays baltes, qui sont relativement jeunes et n’ont pas de longues traditions, sont compatibles d’un côté avec les standards de la fiscalité internationale des pays membres de l’OCDE et, d’un autre côté, avec les exigences du droit de l’Union Européenne. Le deuxième but de la thèse est de proposer des conseils et recommandations, sur la façon dont la régulation fiscale nationale, européenne et communautaire pourrait être améliorée. A la fin de chaque chapitre ainsi qu’à la fin de chaque grande partie et à la fin de cette thèse, on présente les conseils et les recommandations. La première partie analyse les aspects internationaux de la fiscalité directe des revenus de l’activité des entreprises. La deuxième partie examine les règles concernant la fiscalité des revenus passifs (dividendes, intérêts et redevances). Dans la troisième partie on analyse les principes du droit fiscal des pays baltes concernant la lutte contre les paradis fiscaux ainsi que les principes de la coopération internationale entre les administrations fiscales. / The first objective of this doctoral thesis is to analyze the international aspects of taxation of companies in the Baltic States. The research compares the rules of tax law in the Baltic countries with the OECD proposals and recommendations, EU law requirements as well as with analogical rules in other European countries. It analyzes whether rules of direct taxation of companies in the Baltic countries, which are relatively young and do not have long traditions, follow the international standards proposed by the OECD as well, whether these rules are compatible with EU law requirements and analogical rules of other European states. The second goal of this thesis is to provide advice and recommendations on how national tax law and the provisions of EU law could be improved. Advice and recommendations are being presented at the end of each chapter, then at the end of each major part and finally, at the end of whole thesis. The first part analyses the international aspects of direct taxation of income from business activity. The second part devoted to examining the rules regarding the taxation of passive income (dividends, interest and royalties). Finally, the third part analyses the principles of tax law in the Baltic countries concerning tax havens and the international cooperation between tax administrations.

Technological advances have had a major impact on traditional retail shopping changing it from a physical undertaking to a completely digitised experience where consumers buy digital media online. VAT systems that do not specifically provide for, or which have not been adapted to cope with, technology-driven advances, generally do not provide for the adequate levying and collection of VAT on cross-border digital trade. The South African VAT system is no different. The taxation of e-commerce should not artificially advantage or disadvantage e-commerce over comparable traditional commerce, or unnecessarily hinder the development of e-commerce. This thesis determines whether the South African VAT Act 89 of 1991 in its current form, can be applied adequately to raise and collect VAT on cross-border digital transactions. Where shortcomings in the VAT Act are identified, the harmonised VAT rules of the European Union (EU), together with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) proposals on consumption taxes, are analysed and discussed to seek possible solutions and make recommendations. / Mercantile Law / LL.D.

Technological advances have had a major impact on traditional retail shopping changing it from a physical undertaking to a completely digitised experience where consumers buy digital media online. VAT systems that do not specifically provide for, or which have not been adapted to cope with, technology-driven advances, generally do not provide for the adequate levying and collection of VAT on cross-border digital trade. The South African VAT system is no different. The taxation of e-commerce should not artificially advantage or disadvantage e-commerce over comparable traditional commerce, or unnecessarily hinder the development of e-commerce. This thesis determines whether the South African VAT Act 89 of 1991 in its current form, can be applied adequately to raise and collect VAT on cross-border digital transactions. Where shortcomings in the VAT Act are identified, the harmonised VAT rules of the European Union (EU), together with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) proposals on consumption taxes, are analysed and discussed to seek possible solutions and make recommendations. / Mercantile Law / LL.D.