Author: Europe News Desk

The European Union Official Gazette has published European Council Decision No. 2025/502, granting Greece special authorization to mandate electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) for all taxable transactions within the country. This deviation from EU Directive 2006/112/EC allows Greece to implement a structured e-invoicing system for businesses. Key Provisions of the EU Authorization Under the approved framework, Greece is authorized to: The authorization applies from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, and takes effect upon notification. Impact on Greek Businesses This decision establishes a legal framework for mandatory digital invoicing, streamlining tax compliance and enhancing transparency within Greece’s tax system. Businesses must…

European capital gains tax rates vary significantly across countries, with some nations maintaining tax exemptions while others levy high rates on long-held listed shares. As of March 2025, several changes have reshaped the capital gains tax landscape across the European OECD countries. Highest & Lowest Capital Gains Tax Rates in Europe (2025) CountryTop Capital Gains Tax RateAdditional NotesDenmark42.0%Highest in EuropeNorway37.8%Includes 1.72x multiplier before taxationNetherlands36.0%Tax based on net asset valueSpain30.0%Increased from 28% in 2025Sweden30.0%-United Kingdom24.0%Increased from 20% in 2025Romania1.0%Lowest taxed countryMoldova6.0%Taxed at 50% of PIT rateBulgaria10.0%Flat personal income tax (PIT) rateExempt Countries0.0%Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland,…

Belgium’s newly formed coalition government has committed to implementing a 3% Digital Services Tax (DST) by 2027, as outlined in the Federal Coalition Agreement 2025-2029, also known as the “Arizona deal.” This move revives Belgium’s previous DST plans, which had been on hold pending progress from the OECD and EU on global digital tax reforms. Belgium Moves Forward as OECD’s Global Tax Reform Stalls DSTs are levied on revenue generated from social media services, search engines, and online marketplaces, particularly non-resident digital service providers—most notably, U.S. tech giants—which often fall outside conventional corporate tax regimes. While most countries paused new…

As of January 1, 2025, small enterprises within the EU will have the opportunity to take advantage of a simplified VAT regime under the Special VAT Scheme (SME scheme). The new rules bring significant changes to VAT compliance for small businesses and aim to make tax administration easier for those with a turnover of up to EUR 100,000 (or the equivalent in national currency). However, there are specific conditions, including the loss of the ability to reclaim VAT on exempted supplies. Key Changes: VAT Exemption for Small EnterprisesEligible small enterprises can sell goods and services without charging VAT to customers,…

Key Takeaways: Danish Crypto Investors Sidestep Tax Regulations A staggering 90% of Danish cryptocurrency traders are avoiding tax obligations, preferring to store their digital assets offshore, beyond the reach of domestic tax authorities. This widespread non-compliance surfaces amid Denmark’s impending move to impose a contentious tax on unrealized crypto gains, a measure that could retrospectively date back to Bitcoin’s inception. The Offshore Shift According to the EU Tax Observatory’s report, Enforcing Taxes on Cryptocurrencies, the vast majority of Danish crypto investors failed to disclose their holdings in 2021, despite stringent tax reporting mandates. The study highlights a consistent trend where…

Poland’s government is considering a new tax on large technology companies, with Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski confirming that the Digital Ministry is actively exploring the proposal. However, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has stated that no final decision has been made. Debate Over a Big Tech Tax Gawkowski, who also serves as Minister of Digital Affairs, first raised the possibility of a digital tax on big tech firms last week, triggering strong opposition from the U.S. Trump administration. Tom Rose, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Poland, criticized the potential tax as “self-destructive” and warned of diplomatic consequences…

Tax policy is a cornerstone of sustainable development, enabling governments to fund essential public services, reduce inequality, and build resilient economies. As global challenges evolve, fair and effective tax systems are more critical than ever. For over two decades, the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters has shaped global tax norms, offering practical solutions on key issues such as digital economy taxation, environmental taxation, tax transparency, and taxation in extractive industries. The Committee is vital in helping countries—especially developing nations—mobilize domestic resources through equitable tax policies. Key International Tax Discussions in 2025 The Committee will convene…

The European Union has delayed its first round of retaliatory tariffs against the United States over President Donald Trump’s metals tariffs, pushing the measures to mid-April for further negotiations and adjustments to targeted goods. EU Adjusts Tariff Timelines for Strategic Flexibility Initially, the European Commission planned to reintroduce 2018 tariffs on €4.5 billion ($4.9 billion) of U.S. imports on April 1, followed by an additional €18 billion in tariffs on April 13. However, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic announced that both sets of measures would now be aligned for implementation in mid-April, allowing EU member states to discuss them simultaneously…

A majority in the Netherlands’ House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal) is pushing to abolish the national surcharge on single-use plastic packaging, arguing that it benefits businesses more than the environment and has failed to curb plastic waste. Background on the Levy Introduced in July 2023, the surcharge required foodservice and retail outlets to impose additional charges on plastic packaging and containers. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management provided guidelines of €0.25 per cup and €0.50 per package. However, businesses had the flexibility to set their own rates, with many supermarkets charging as little as €0.01 per package.…

Labour under fire as council tax bills rise again, adding to financial strain on families British households are bracing for another financial hit as council tax bills across England rise by 5% from April, pushing the average Band D bill up by £109 to £2,280. The increase, which exceeds inflation, has sparked widespread criticism of Labour leader Keir Starmer, who previously pledged to freeze council tax but is now presiding over another rise in household costs. Council Tax Rises Across England The increases vary significantly across the country: Political Backlash and Public Concerns Critics argue the Labour government has driven…