EU Parliament's digital levy could generate up to €25 billion annually for next budget

Danuše Nerudová, a Czech MEP from the EPP, disclosed that the European Parliament’s assessment of its digital levy suggests it could bring in up to €25.2 bn each year, a figure five times larger than the European Commission’s earlier projection. The Parliament’s estimate expands the levy’s scope beyond advertising and intermediation to cover streaming, data-processing and other digital services, and raises the tax rate to 5%.

Revenue forecasts show online gambling could yield €3.9 bn, more than double the Commission’s €1.9 bn estimate, while a capital-gains tax on crypto assets might generate €3 bn versus the Commission’s €2.4 bn. Malta has voiced strong resistance to the gambling tax, and the crypto tax is seen as difficult to enforce due to market volatility. Nerudová warned that talks on the levy are already behind schedule for inclusion in the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework starting in 2028. She argues the levy is essential to fund debt repayment and new EU priorities.