The recent Eurobarometer survey highlights a significant shift in public sentiment toward taxation across Europe, indicating a strong preference for policy changes aimed at creating a fairer and more environmentally sustainable tax system. A remarkable 80% of respondents expressed agreement that large multinational companies should contribute a minimum tax in each country they operate. This widespread support illustrates a growing recognition of the need for accountability among major corporations in their tax obligations, reflecting a collective desire for equitable financial contributions to public welfare.
Support for equitable taxation extends to individuals, with nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) advocating for a new tax on the wealthiest citizens, specifically the top 0.001%. This sentiment is particularly pronounced in countries such as Hungary (78%), Bulgaria (71%), and Croatia (71%), where the need for wealth redistribution is emphasized. However, opposition to such taxes stems from concerns regarding competitiveness, potential capital flight, and investment risks. Despite these apprehensions, there is clearly a substantial demand for addressing wealth inequality through appropriate tax measures.
In terms of perceived fairness, a mere one in five EU citizens believes that tax contributions align with income and wealth “to a large extent.” This skepticism varies across countries, with Finland and Luxembourg viewed as models of fairness, while nations like Latvia, Czechia, Lithuania, and Poland rank lowest in public perception of equitable taxation. This disparity underscores the varying levels of trust in national tax systems and highlights areas that may need reform or increased transparency to bolster citizen confidence.
Moreover, when considering increased taxes to enhance public services, a significant portion of the population prioritizes targeting specific goods. Nearly half of respondents favor higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol, while one-third endorse increases on investment income such as interest or rent. This suggests a preference for taxing consumption behaviors perceived as harmful, indicating a shift towards more targeted tax strategies that align with health and social objectives, focusing on sectors that resonate with public priorities.
Environmental concerns also play a crucial role in shaping public opinion on tax policy. Approximately 59% of EU citizens support using tax measures to deter the use of environmentally damaging products and pollution-generating energy sources. The most favored targets for such taxes include non-recyclable products, plastics, and greenhouse gas emissions. This alignment of taxation with environmental goals reflects a broader societal push towards sustainability, urging policymakers to integrate ecological considerations into economic strategies for growth and sustainability.
Finally, citizens signal clear priorities for EU taxation issues, with apprehensions about tax avoidance and evasion taking center stage. Tackling these issues is crucial as they lead to significant revenue losses for member states, which directly affect public services and infrastructure. Following this, preventing double taxation among EU countries emerges as the second most critical issue for citizens. With nearly 90% of national government revenue stemming from taxes, a more coherent and fair taxation strategy across the EU is not only desired but essential for sustainable economic health and public trust in government institutions.
