Germany opposes the European Commission's plan to apply a lower tax rate for electricity than for natural gas.

Germany has expressed opposition to the European Commission's plan, which proposes a lower tax rate for electricity compared to natural gas.

In a letter signed by Bastian Fleig, the general director in the Ministry of Finance, Berlin argues that Brussels is trying to introduce tax rules through regulations that should be established by EU tax legislation, which requires unanimity.

Germany emphasizes that the proposal could affect the fiscal sovereignty of member states and that the taxation of electricity should not be regulated by energy market legislation.

In the context of rising energy prices and electrification efforts, Germany believes that the Commission's proposal could reopen a previous agreement on energy taxation. Although Germany supports the common goal of electrification, it contests the method proposed by the Commission, calling for negotiations on electricity taxation according to existing legislation. Negotiations on this subject will begin after the summer break, under the Irish presidency of the EU.