DHAKA: The European Union’s Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will appear in a Belgian court on November 25 to face claims of 900,000 euros in unpaid taxes.

Belgian dailies reported Friday, says The Straits Times.

The former Belgian foreign minister, who is currently playing a key role in trade talks with Asian nations and the United States, has informed the head of the EU executive of the dispute, a European Commission spokesman told reporters.

The commissioner has fought since 2005 to prevent tax inspectors from gaining access to his bank records.

Belgian tax authorities are pursuing gains from the sale of shares and the purchase of a home in Tuscany, business dailies LEcho and De Tijd reported.

BDST: 1943 HRS, NOV 08, 2013
RoR/JCK