Taxing Excess Profits: A Potential Windfall for the EU
In a groundbreaking report commissioned by the European Parliament’s Left Group, a new proposal has surfaced that could significantly bolster the EU’s budget. The study, drawing on the OECD’s technical definition of “excess profits,” suggests that European companies have made approximately €310 billion in excess profits. If taxed at rates between 20-40%, this could yield a staggering €107 billion in public funds annually—more than half of the EU’s current budget.
These funds are earmarked for financing pivotal green and digital investments, aiming to address inequality within the bloc. The concept of excess profits taxation is not new, but its application has gained traction as corporate earnings have soared since the onset of the pandemic. Companies in pharmaceuticals, technology, and health-tech have seen bumper earnings, with government spending on vaccines and the shift to online work contributing to their windfall.
The energy sector and arms manufacturers have also benefited from rising oil prices and increased defence spending following geopolitical conflicts. Financial institutions have similarly seen profits surge due to central banks’ interest rate hikes aimed at controlling inflation.
According to Christoph Trautvetter, the study’s author and researcher at Tax Justice Network Germany, the proposed tax could slow the growth of excessive corporate earnings but may not be sufficient to completely resolve the issue. Meanwhile, Left Group co-chair Martin Schirdewan emphasizes the need for tax justice over budget cuts, particularly as Europe faces spending reductions post-pandemic.
The report has received support from labor unions, with Esther Lynch of the European Trade Union Confederation highlighting the need for fair taxation of corporate profits. Conversely, business reactions have been tepid, with lobby group BusinessEurope stressing the importance of maintaining EU competitiveness.
The definition of “excess profits” remains a point of contention. The new study adopts a more inclusive yet restrictive approach than previous analyses, extending to financial and extractive industries while exempting smaller entities like solar power producers from being categorized as earning excessive profits.
As discussions continue, it is clear that the implementation of such a tax would depend on political will and consensus on what constitutes excess profits. The potential for significant revenue generation from taxing income tax Germany,
