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Bundestag

News about Bundestag: events, facts and developments on tafs uz.

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Bundestag approves phased tobacco tax increase: a pack of cigarettes could cost almost €12 by 2030

Germany's lower house of parliament voted for a phased increase in the tobacco tax from 2027 to 2030. The average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes will rise from about €8.05 to €11.36, with some premium brands costing up to €14. The government expects to receive an additional around €12 billion over four years, citing the budget and healthcare. The opposition and the tobacco industry criticize the reform, warning of a growing black market.

3 min read

German cabinet approves draft law on sugary drinks tax from July 1, 2027

The German government approved a draft law on a tax on drinks with a sugar content of 5 g per 100 ml. Rates will be 0.26–0.32 euros per litre, with expected revenues of 690 million euros in 2027 and 925 million in 2028. The law must be approved by the Bundestag; critics, including Boris Rhein (CDU) and the Tax Foundation, doubt the measure's effectiveness.

3 min read

Merz addressed the Bundestag ahead of the EU summit: reforms, intergenerational justice and support for Ukraine

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a programmatic speech in the Bundestag ahead of the EU summit, warning of a growing gap of justice between generations and calling for reforms of the social systems. He rejected accusations that aid to Ukraine comes at the expense of social spending, and accused the extreme flanks of stoking chaos. Meanwhile, in Hamburg the trial began of Ukrainian Serhii K., accused of sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, and inflation in Germany rose to 3.3%.

5 min read