Carbon Taxes, Trade, and American Competitiveness
A border-adjusted carbon tax that uses some of the revenue for pro-investment tax reform could improve U.S. more competitiveness while also addressing concerns with a carbon tax.
Expert
Sean Bray
Director of European Policy
Sean Bray is Director of European Policy at the Tax Foundation, where he researches international tax issues with a focus on tax policy in Europe.
Prior to joining the Tax Foundation, Sean Bray worked in the United States Senate on tech, telecom, and trade policy. He also interned at the European Parliament during Brexit and has experience establishing European chapters of a transatlantic think tank network based out of Yale.
Sean has a master’s degree in European Political and Governance Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, a master’s degree in International Public Affairs from the La Follette School of Public Affairs, and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Sean is fluent in French and tries his best to speak German at a B2 level. He lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with his wife and child.
Written Works
Comparing Europe’s Tax Systems: Corporate Taxes
According to the corporate tax component of the 2022 International Tax Competitiveness Index, Latvia and Estonia have the best corporate tax systems in the OECD.
What the EU Gets Wrong About “Tax Fairness” and How Principled Tax Policy Can Help
A more principled EU tax system will increase economic growth across the economy and provide the government with stable finances for spending priorities.
Impact of Italian Elections on National Tax Policy and EU Fiscal Policy
In the EU, Italy plays an important role in economic policy. If the EU wants to further develop own resources, it will need the backing of the Italian government—which seems unlikely at the moment.
Tax Files Under New Council of EU Presidency: Czechia
As the Czech EU presidency considers a plan to manage various tax-related files, it would be wise to consider principled tax policy that broadens the tax base and reduces the tax wedge on strategic investment.
Carbon Taxes in the Global Market: Changes on the Way?
As policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic debate the way forward on carbon border adjustment mechanisms, it is important to keep principles of good tax policy in mind.
Impact of Elections on French Tax Policy and EU Own Resources
The French election results are paralyzing for French pro-growth tax reforms, pessimistic for EU own resources, and dire for overall economic certainty.
Carbon Taxes in Europe
In recent years, several countries have taken measures to reduce carbon emissions, including instituting environmental regulations, emissions trading systems, and carbon taxes. In 1990, Finland was the world’s first country to introduce a carbon tax.
Russia’s Ukrainian War Could Impact EU Carbon Proposal Too
Given the uncertainty surrounding the war in Ukraine, future trade relations with Russia, and the overall CBAM revenue structure. The EU will need to adjust policy when challenges arise as it looks to increase its role in fiscal affairs through new own resources.
Post-Versailles Declaration: Tax Policy in the Future of European Energy Security
The unified EU signing of the “Versailles Declaration” is a historic break from the past. Russia’s war against Ukraine has made energy (and related tax policies) an even more urgent focus for the EU.
Corporate Income Tax Rates in Europe
Portugal, Germany and France have the highest corporate tax rates in Europe. How does your country compare?
Corporate Tax Rates around the World, 2021
A new report shows that corporate tax rates around the world continue to level off. “We aren’t seeing a race to the bottom, we’re seeing a race toward the middle,” said Sean Bray, global policy analyst at the Tax Foundation.
Despite Slip in International Tax Competitiveness Index, Germany Retains Top G7 Rank
More often than not, by looking at Germany’s tax code as an example, G7 countries can improve the stability of their revenues and the lives of those they represent.