Germany Eyes 10% Tax on Tech Giants Like Google
Germany’s government is weighing a proposal to impose a 10% tax on major digital platforms such as Google and Facebook, according to a Reuters report citing the country’s new Culture Minister, Wolfram Weimer.
The move, aimed at addressing what officials see as tax imbalance, could intensify transatlantic tensions with the United States.
The potential levy targets U.S.-based tech giants that generate significant profits within Germany while contributing minimally in taxes, Weimer told Stern magazine. He criticized these firms for reaping the benefits of Germany’s infrastructure, media, and culture while offering little in return to the public sector.
“These corporations operate with extremely high profit margins in Germany, yet their tax contributions remain disproportionately low,” Weimer stated. “They benefit from our cultural ecosystem but fail to reinvest adequately into society.”
The Culture Ministry is reportedly working on draft legislation while also pursuing dialogue with tech firms to discuss alternatives, including voluntary contributions. However, the backdrop of the plan is politically sensitive.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington soon, although the trip remains unofficial. President Trump has previously opposed similar tax measures, stating that he would not tolerate foreign governments attempting to tap into America’s corporate tax base.
If implemented, the proposed tax could mark a significant policy shift in Europe’s approach to taxing multinational tech companies, possibly reigniting a broader debate over digital taxation frameworks and international trade fairness.
Kosta Gushterov
Reporter at Coindoo
Kosta has been a part of the team since 2021 and has solidified his position with a thirst for knowledge, incredible dedication to his work and a “detective-like” mindset. He not only covers a wide range of trending topics, he also creates reviews, PR articles and educational content. His work has also been referenced by other news outlets.
