“New own resources are indispensable,” von der Leyen said, using the EU term for raising its own money. “Without them, the choice is stark: higher national contributions or lower spending capacity. In other words, less Europe exactly where Europe needs to do more.”
The Commission in July proposed a package of measures that would increase the amount of own resources. It included levies on carbon-intensive imported goods and taxes on carbon emissions produced in the EU, as well as non-recycled electronic waste, tobacco consumption and corporate profits. Together, they would raise €66 billion per year, the Commission says.
“This is the only credible way to match Europe’s priorities with Europe’s means,” von der Leyen said Wednesday as she addressed MEPs.
In its budget position, the European Parliament calls for taxes on online gambling, tech giants and crypto firms.
New tax proposals have traditionally been rebuffed by countries, which oppose Brussels having power over fiscal and taxation policy. However, at a meeting in Cyprus last week, national leaders tasked the Commission with exploring Parliament’s proposed new taxes.
Current own resources include customs duties and a levy on non-recycled plastic packaging waste.