The EU is considering new taxes on airline tickets and sugar-containing foods to finance the European budget.

The European Union is analyzing new sources of funding for the future community budget, including taxes on airline tickets and on products with a high sugar content.

These proposals, which are in an early stage, could lead to increased prices for flights and certain foods, if they gain the unanimous support of member states.

Representatives of member states are discussing these measures within the Committee of Permanent Representatives, in the context where Ireland, the rotating presidency of the EU Council, must identify funding solutions by autumn.

So far, there are no clear details regarding the values or the implementation of these taxes. The European Commission proposed, in July 2025, five new own resources that could generate approximately 44 billion euros annually, including taxes on electronic waste and excise duties on tobacco products.

The European Parliament suggests that the new sources should bring in approximately 60 billion euros per year, including alternatives such as taxes on digital services and online gambling.