What is German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil advocating for at the EU level regarding energy profits?

German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil is renewing his call for a European Union windfall tax on energy companies to address the fallout from soaring energy prices for households and businesses. He stated, 'It’s an important issue that I will address once again today: the question of the windfall profits tax,' and emphasized that it is 'unfair for large corporations to profit from the current situation' and therefore 'only fair and a matter of justice that the corporations profiting from the crisis should contribute to the costs of the crisis.' He plans to advocate for this measure in the Eurogroup meeting and noted support from countries including Spain and Italy.

What does Klingbeil say about the current political feasibility of an EU windfall tax?

Klingbeil acknowledged that 'there is currently no majority support for this in Brussels,' but stressed that 'it is precisely in Brussels that it is worth persisting in the face of resistance.' He framed continued advocacy as essential, stating his firm conviction in the principle of fairness and justice, and identified the next step as 'to find majorities' among EU member states.

Germany’s Klingbeil Renews Call for EU Windfall Tax on Energy

May 4, 2026

German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil advocates for an EU windfall tax on energy profits to offset high prices for households and companies. He seeks broader support among euro-area finance chiefs, arguing profitable corporations should contribute to crisis costs.

bloomberg

2026-05-04

Germany’s Klingbeil Renews Call for EU Windfall Tax on Energy

Germany’s Klingbeil Renews Call for EU Windfall Tax on Energy

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