European Union (EU)

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.

Diesel and Gas Taxes in Europe

As the EU pursues massive changes in public policy as part of its green transition, expect fuel taxes to be central to any policy discussions.

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.

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.

Emissions Trading System (ETS)

What European Countries Are Doing about Windfall Profit Taxes

It’s unlikely these implemented and proposed windfall taxes will achieve their goals of raising additional revenues without distorting the market. Instead, they would penalize domestic production and punitively target certain industries without a sound tax base.

Integrated Tax Rates on Corporate Income in Europe

In most European OECD countries, corporate income is taxed twice, once at the entity level and once at the shareholder level.

Testimony: The Role of Corporate Taxation in the European Union’s Future Tax Policy Mix

As policymakers shift their focus away from tax rates and look to harmonize the EU’s corporate tax base, they should understand the benefits of full expensing.

Tax Burden on Labor in Europe, 2023

To make the taxation of labor more efficient, policymakers should understand the inputs into the tax wedge, and taxpayers should understand how their tax burden funds government services.

Wealth Taxes in Europe, 2023

Instead of reforming and hiking the wealth tax, perhaps policymakers should consider whether the tax is serving its intended objectives, and, if not, consider repealing the tax altogether.

The Role of Pro-Growth Tax Policy and Private Investment in the European Union’s Green Transition

Permanent full expensing is an efficient and neutral tax policy that will allow markets to allocate private investment effectively while moving the economy towards the climate goals of the EU.

Carbon Taxes in Theory and Practice

In our latest report, we consider several theoretical arguments for carbon taxes and the evidence from carbon taxes implemented around the world related to emissions, economic growth, distribution and revenue recycling options, other environmental taxes, green subsidies, and environmental regulations.

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.

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.

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.

Estate, Inheritance, and Gift Taxes in Europe, 2023

As tempting as inheritance, estate, and gift taxes might look—especially when the OECD notes them as a way to reduce wealth inequality—their limited capacity to collect revenue and their negative impact on entrepreneurial activity, saving, and work should make policymakers consider their repeal instead of boosting them.

Tax Subsidies for R&D Expenditures in Europe, 2023

Many countries incentivize business investment in research and development (R&D), intending to foster innovation. A common approach is to provide direct government funding for R&D activity. However, a significant number of jurisdictions also offers R&D tax incentives.

Dividend Tax Rates in Europe, 2023

In many countries, corporate profits are subject to two layers of taxation: the corporate income tax at the entity level when the corporation earns income, and the dividend tax or capital gains tax at the individual level when that income is passed to its shareholders as either dividends or capital gains.

Capital Gains Tax Rates in Europe, 2023

In many countries, investment income, such as dividends and capital gains, is taxed at a different rate than wage income. Denmark levies the highest top capital gains tax of all countries covered, at a rate of 42 percent. Norway levies the second-highest top capital gains tax at 37.8 percent. Finland and France follow, at 34 percent each.

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.