Author: Europe News Desk

In a rare show of political unity, Glasgow’s city administration committee unanimously approved a 5% visitor levy on all commercial accommodations, effective January 2027. The levy is projected to generate approximately £16 million annually, earmarked exclusively for civic improvements and tourism promotion. A Unified Scottish Approach Following Edinburgh’s lead—where a similar 5% overnight stay tax takes effect in July 2026—Glasgow joins Scotland’s capital in implementing visitor levies. This alignment signals a strategic shift in funding city development through targeted tourism charges. Economic Opportunity with Caveats SNP’s Ricky Bell underscores the levy’s potential as “free money” for Glasgow, citing a lack…

With summer wedding season in full swing and Pride celebrations taking place across the country, the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) reminds all couples planning to marry that no wedding is valid without an official certificate of no impediment, known as a “prøvingsattest”. Whether planning a spontaneous ceremony during Pride or organizing a traditional wedding, this certificate is a mandatory prerequisite under Norwegian law. What is the “Prøvingsattest”? A prøvingsattest is a legal certificate issued by Skatteetaten confirming that a couple meets all legal requirements to marry under the Norwegian Marriage Act (Ekteskapsloven). These include: Fast and Digital Processing The fastest…

Budapest, Hungary – Effective July 1, 2025, Hungary will significantly raise the family tax allowance, providing higher net income for eligible taxpayers. The change, announced by the Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), is intended to ease the financial burden on families, particularly those with multiple dependents or children with disabilities. Key Figures: This translates into: Moreover, families with a chronically ill or severely disabled dependent will receive an extra HUF 100,000 per month in tax allowance, equivalent to an additional HUF 15,000 in net income. Procedural Impact: Taxpayers who have submitted an advance declaration based on fixed monetary…

Berlin’s cultural institutions are facing severe budget cuts, but recent increases in city tax revenues—largely driven by cultural tourism—offer a glimmer of hope. The Berlin Senate’s response to a parliamentary inquiry from the Green Party reveals a significant uptick in income from the City Tax (Übernachtungssteuer), signaling a potential lifeline for the beleaguered arts sector. City Tax Expansion Spurs Major Revenue Growth Since the expansion of the Berlin City Tax to include business overnight stays on April 1, 2024, coupled with an increase in the tax rate from 5% to 7.5% as of January 1, 2025, the city’s coffers are…

In a significant development reported by Handelsblatt, the European Commission is reportedly ready to accept a flat 10% US tariff provided that key trade conditions are met. This move aims to defuse escalating transatlantic trade tensions, particularly around sensitive sectors like automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and microelectronics. 1. Background: Rising Trade Pressures The European Union and the United States have been entangled in high-stakes trade talks as fears over potential US tariff hikes on EU car exports grow. Brussels views the proposed 10% flat-rate tariff as a possible compromise that would avert more punitive, sector-specific duties. While the EU seems open to…

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) compliance on UK property disposals is a critical obligation for multinational corporations and global investors. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms for tax reporting, the availability and reliability of the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) online CGT service are paramount. This article analyzes current service status, potential disruptions, and practical guidance for tax professionals navigating these challenges. Overview of the HMRC CGT Reporting Service HMRC provides a dedicated online portal allowing taxpayers to report and pay Capital Gains Tax on UK property sales efficiently. This digital system is designed to streamline tax administration, reduce errors,…

Gibraltar has agreed to implement a minimum 15% sales tax on goods as part of a historic post-Brexit settlement with Spain, aiming to prevent unfair tax competition and facilitate closer economic integration with the European Union. The agreement requires Gibraltar to establish a “transaction tax” on goods, starting at 15% upon ratification and increasing by 1% annually over the next two years, eventually aligning with the lowest EU rate, currently 17% in Luxembourg. This tax convergence is critical for Gibraltar to join a customs union with the EU, a key element of the new arrangement. The deal also eases travel…

Greece is accelerating its journey towards economic modernization with a series of digital payment requirements, tax reforms, and investment incentives, as outlined by the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, during his keynote speech at the “Greece 2025-2030” conference. Digital Payment Mandates for Rent and Tax DeductionsFrom now on, rent payments—both residential and commercial—must be conducted through bank transfers to qualify for government housing subsidies and business expense deductions. For property owners, a 5% tax-deductible expense (such as renovation costs) will only be recognized if payments are made digitally. This move aims to enhance transparency and reduce cash-based…

The latest data on UK regional trade in goods for the first quarter of 2025 has been published, providing detailed insights into the number of businesses engaged in exporting and importing activities across different UK regions and destination countries. Available as an MS Excel spreadsheet (3.23 MB), this dataset enables comprehensive analysis and benchmarking for policymakers, multinational corporations, and financial professionals. Key features of the release include: The spreadsheet includes: Notably, the Department for International Trade formerly produced the “Exporters by proportional business count” data, consolidating the UK’s approach to trade data reporting. This dataset offers invaluable intelligence for multinational…

On June 12, 2025, the French Senate rejected a controversial proposal to impose a 2% minimum annual wealth tax on individuals with assets exceeding €100 million. Nicknamed the “Zucman Tax” after economist Gabriel Zucman, the proposal aimed to address tax fairness by targeting ultra-wealthy households who, despite immense wealth, often pay significantly less in taxes due to sophisticated tax planning. Although the proposal passed in the National Assembly, its Senate defeat, with 188 votes against and 129 in favor—halted its legislative journey for now. Still, the tax has ignited a broader debate around global wealth taxation, tax avoidance structures, and…