European Union debates 2028‑2034 budget taxes as 3‑euro parcel fee takes effect

Negotiations on the EU multi‑annual financial framework for 2028‑2034 have hit a stalemate. The European Commission proposed five new taxes, including a carbon levy and a levy on large enterprises, to raise about €450 billion over seven years. Member states such as Germany and the Nordic countries demand cuts, while Mediterranean states push for a more ambitious budget. Ireland, assuming the rotating Council presidency, must mediate, and leaders including Ursula von der Leyen, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and EU Council president Antonio Costa have warned that failure could lead to significant budget cuts.

From 1 July 2026 the EU will also introduce a €3 fixed contribution on parcels under €150 imported from non‑EU countries. The charge is applied per customs commodity category and is intended to curb low‑cost Chinese imports that represent over 90 % of such parcels. The fee is normally collected from e‑commerce platforms or sellers rather than consumers, and may be passed on as higher prices or shipping costs.