![The Impact of High Inflation on Tax Revenues across Europe](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/AdobeStock_522977445-300x200.jpeg)
All Blog Posts
![CCCTB vs. BEFIT: EU Corporate Tax Base: Details & Analysis](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/European-Union-tax-proposal-EU-flag-300x199.jpeg)
CCCTB vs. BEFIT: How Have the Proposals Changed?
If the EU is going to harmonize its tax base, it should do so in a way that increases the efficiency and competitiveness of tax policy for the EU as a whole, and not just seek out the lowest common denominator.
5 min read![Details and analysis of European Tax Trends and European Tax Reforms](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Tax-Trends-in-European-Countries-300x200.jpeg)
Tax Trends in European Countries
In recent years, European countries have undertaken a series of tax reforms designed to maintain tax revenue levels while protecting households and businesses from high inflation.
8 min read![EU BEFIT proposal for Business in Europe Framework for Income Taxation](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/EU-BEFIT-proposal-for-Business-in-Europe-Framework-for-Income-Taxation-300x200.jpeg)
BEFIT: One-Stop-Shop or One-More-Stop?
On 12 September, the European Commission released a proposal called “Business in Europe: Framework for Income Taxation” (BEFIT) and two associated proposals on transfer pricing and a Head of Office tax system.
6 min read![2023 Spain election tax reforms and tax policy implications of 2023 Spanish elections](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Spain-election-tax-implications-2023-e1688075068250-300x197.jpg)
The Tax Policy Implications of the Spanish Elections at the Regional, National, and European Levels
The Spanish election results are moving the country away from pro-growth tax reforms while launching the government’s tax agenda, and the agenda of the Spanish presidency of the Council of the European Union, into uncertainty.
7 min read![Italy income tax system Italy local income tax system marginal tax rates Economic impact of a digital services tax in Italy. Learn more about Italy web tax.](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Italy-Florence-e1574090250779-300x201.jpeg)
Why Italy’s Latest Windfall Profits Tax Is Still Bad Tax Policy
For many Italian banks, there hasn’t been a significant “windfall” to tax. The profit margins of Italian banks have been lower compared to other industries for the past two decades.
5 min read![EU vat reform and EU own resources EU digital tax](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/EU-flag-100-300x200.jpg)
Benefits of Principled Tax Policy: EU VAT Reform Results
The EU’s recent VAT reform is an example of a win for governments, consumers, and companies. Charting a new path toward a more successful tax system.
4 min read![Explore EU STEP efforts (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform), the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF), and the Single Market.](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/EU-STEP-TCTF-300x201.jpg)
A Mis-STEP for the European Union: The New Subsidy Race to the Bottom
Enhancing the European Union’s competitiveness is necessary, but the European Commission’s latest attempt is the wrong approach.
4 min read![EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism CBAM EU carbon border tax (EU carbon tax or carbon tariff)](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/EU-flag-wide-e1555091569203-300x150.jpg)
Examining the EU Corporate Own Resources Proposal: Implications and Challenges
The European Commission proposed a new source of revenue as part of its second basket of own resources: a “temporary statistical own resource based on company profits.” This is an attempt to bolster the EU’s budget as it repays its debt.
5 min read![EU wealth tax discussion and debate EU wealth tax proposal 2023](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/EU-wealth-tax-3-300x153.jpg)
The Wealth Tax Discussion Is Back
Given that wealth taxes collect little revenue and have the potential to disincentivize entrepreneurship and investment, perhaps European countries should repeal them rather than implement one across the continent.
4 min read![Reform EU own resources tax policy European competitiveness versus tax revenue streams](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Reform-EU-own-resources-tax-policy-European-competitiveness-versus-tax-revenue-streams-300x199.jpg)
Reforming EU Own Resources: Competitiveness versus Raising Revenue
When it comes to EU-level tax policy ideas, competitiveness seems to be less of a priority than raising revenue or pursuing social objectives.
4 min read![What the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Means for Europe and the United States EU CBAM or EU carbon border tax](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/EU-US-Flag-e1671572758521-300x225.jpeg)
What the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Means for Europe and the United States
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a key aspect of the EU’s broader Fit for 55 package which aims to cut 55 percent of net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the EU by 2030. The growing number of competing climate policies between the EU and U.S., such as tax provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, could present policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic an opportunity to work together.
5 min read![EU tax revenue stability amid global financial crisis European public debt crisis and Eurozone recession tax policy](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EU-tax-revenue-stability-amid-global-financial-crisis-and-eurozone-recession-tax-policy-300x201.jpg)
Tax Policy and Economic Downturns in Europe
While some temporary policies can help in a crisis, policymakers should focus their efforts on sustainable policies that support growth and the resilience of businesses (and government coffers) over the long term.
6 min read![Von der Leyen Biden EU IRA & Competitiveness | Tax FoundationPresident von der Leyen President Biden Can’t Fix European Competitiveness clean tech and Inflation reduction act subsidies](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/President-von-der-Leyen-President-Biden-CanE28099t-Fix-European-Competitiveness-clean-tech-and-Inflation-reduction-act-subsidies-300x240.jpg)
Dear President von der Leyen: President Biden Can’t Fix European Competitiveness
Focusing on the “threat” to European industry caused by the Inflation Reduction Act rather than internal tax system flaws puts the EU at risk of slower economic growth and possibly losing some of its important industrial base. It is also contrary to the EU’s geopolitical goals.
4 min read![EU tax research The European Commission and the Taxation of the Digital Economy EU digital levy](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/eu-european-union-linkedin-3-300x157.jpeg)
EU Taxation: Prioritizing Geopolitics over Revenue
If the EU wants to strategically compete with economic powers like the United States or China, it needs principled, pro-growth tax policy that prioritizes efficient ways to raise revenue over geopolitical ambitions.
6 min read![EU windfall profits tax EU energy security EU fossil fuel EU presidency European Union presidency including Czech presidency Europe council EU VAT Rates: EU VAT Directive & EU Reduced VAT Rates](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/EU-European-Union-reduced-vat-rates-300x200.jpg)
The EU’s Windfall Profits Tax: How “Tax Fairness” Continues to Get in the Way of Energy Security
When it comes to providing economic relief to those in need, wartime energy security, and principled tax policy, the EU can do all three. But a windfall profits tax is not the policy to achieve these goals.
8 min read![Jacques Delors EU Single Market & Tax Policy including European Single Market and EU Economics](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/EU-300x188.jpg)
Pursuing Delors’ Single Market: What the EU Gets Wrong About Its Economic Power and What It Means for the U.S.
Before EU policymakers rush to implement massive reforms, they should remember the goals of the Single Market, its international limitations, and the role of tax policy.
4 min read![Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) US EU tax and trade policy why Congress should care about EU tax policy](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TTIP-US-EU-Tax-and-Trade-Policy-including-Transatlantic-trade-cooperation-EU-Trade-Policy-300x148.jpg)
In the Shadow of T-TIP: Why Congress Should Care About EU Tax and Trade Issues in 2023
The EU’s unilateral approach with carbon taxes, faster track on the global minimum tax, and threat of renewed efforts on DSTs means that U.S. policymakers face some hard choices. Policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic should keep in mind pro-growth tax and trade principles that promote a rules-based international order and increase opportunity.
7 min read![EU tobacco tax directive EU cigarette tax rates 2021 VAT EU reforms](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Europe-global-map-3-300x183.jpg)
The Future of Tobacco Taxation in Europe
Later this week, the European Union is expected to release a new Tobacco Tax Directive, the first update in more than a decade. Early reports indicate that the EU will propose a significant increase to the existing minimum cigarette tax rates levied across the Union and expand the product categories that are taxed, including a block-wide vaping tax.
7 min read![Macron Biden visit to discuss EU subsidies in Inflation Reduction Act energy subsidies](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Macron-Biden-visit-to-discuss-EU-subsidies-in-Inflation-Reduction-Act-energy-subsidies-e1669830281516-300x200.jpg)
How the Inflation Reduction Act and Pillar Two Could Shape the Future of EU Competitiveness
French President Macron is coming to Washington, D.C., this week to ask President Biden the question on the minds of European leaders: “Why did you do this to us?”
6 min read![EU fiscal fairness economic fairness and tax fairness Testimony before the EU Parliament’s Subcommittee on Tax Matters Public hearing on “The impact of national tax reforms on the EU economy”](https://taxfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Testimony-before-the-EU-Parliament-Subcommittee-on-Tax-Matters-hearing-on-the-impact-of-national-tax-reforms-on-the-EU-economy-Tax-Foundation-e1633723852731-300x200.jpeg)
EU “Fiscal Fairness”
Europe is facing difficult times. Governments are balancing the need for more resources with the need to maintain peace and prosperity domestically. To properly strike this balance, EU policymakers must incorporate “Fiscal Fairness” into the debate.
2 min read