EU Has No Plans for Bloc-Wide Windfall Tax on Energy Firms, Says Jorgensen
EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen says Brussels is not preparing a bloc-wide windfall tax on energy companies, arguing national governments are better placed to act.
The European Union is not working on a bloc-wide windfall tax on energy companies, EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said on Tuesday, adding that any such levy would be better decided at the national level.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting of EU energy ministers in Dublin, Jorgensen also urged member states to keep taxes on electricity lower than those on gas.
The question of taxing energy company profits has been raised by several capitals as a way to cushion consumers from high power bills. In May, Spanish Energy Minister Sara Aagesen said five EU countries, including Spain, backed the idea of an EU-wide windfall levy.
Jorgensen's remarks indicate that the European Commission is not preparing a common proposal on the matter, leaving the decision to individual governments. His call on electricity versus gas taxation reflects a long-running debate over how to structure energy charges so that cleaner power is not penalised.
The ministers met in the Irish capital as the bloc continues to weigh measures aimed at keeping energy affordable for households and industry.