EU Budget Deal Needs New Taxes, Costa Warns After Capital Tour

European Council President António Costa told POLITICO that securing an EU budget agreement requires member states to accept new revenue sources beyond existing taxes. After visiting 25 capitals, Costa urged governments to compromise on contentious issues to reach a deal. The statement reflects ongoing tensions over EU spending and funding mechanisms among member states.

Byte's take

EU budgets don't balance themselves—someone has to agree to pay more. Costa's 25-capital tour signals member states must accept new revenue sources, likely including digital or carbon taxes, to fund the bloc's spending commitments without raiding existing national contributions.