Politics · Germany · 10 hrs ago
German sugary-drink tax faces delay amid Union opposition
Germany’s planned tax on sugary drinks is in doubt after opposition from lawmakers in the Union bloc.
The cabinet approved a draft law about three weeks ago, but the tax has not yet been passed by parliament.
Union lawmakers say they may not support it, leaving the governing coalition without a majority for the measure at present.
The plan would tax drinks such as lemonade, iced tea and energy drinks from July 2027, with higher rates for drinks containing more sugar.
The finance minister has already included the expected revenue in the budget, including €690 million for the first year.
The tax could be delayed until 2028, though some Union lawmakers say they want it abandoned.
The government’s next step is not specified.
Germany’s planned tax on sugary drinks is at risk of being delayed after opposition from lawmakers in the Union bloc.
A new start date of 2028 is being considered, according to Bild.
The tax had been planned to begin on 1 July 2027.
Union lawmakers’ resistance means the proposal may currently lack a majority in the Bundestag.
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil had already included the expected revenue in the budget.
- Who
- The German government proposed the tax, while lawmakers in the Union bloc are opposing it.
- What
- A planned tax on sugary drinks may be delayed, with 2028 discussed as a possible new start date.
- When
- Bild reported the possible delay on 4 November 2026.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- Union lawmakers have raised objections, and the proposal may lack a majority in the Bundestag.
Union opponents
German government
Tax proposal
Union opponents
Union lawmakers oppose the planned tax, and some say they want to stop it.
German government
The government approved a draft bill for the tax and planned to introduce it.
The federal cabinet approved the draft bill after weeks of disagreement.
The tax was planned to begin.
Bild reported that the tax was at risk of delay, with 2028 discussed as a possible new start date.
- Possible new start
- 2028
- Planned start
- 1 July 2027
- Tax rate
- 26 cents per litre for drinks with at least 5 grams of sugar per 100 millilitres
- Higher tax rate
- 32 cents per litre for drinks with at least 8 grams of sugar per 100 millilitres
- Planned revenue
- €690 million in the next year and more than €900 million in subsequent years
What people are saying
We are postponing this now.
We want to bury this thing.