Brussels — A majority of Europeans support introducing minimum taxes on the wealthiest individuals and large multinational companies, according to a 2025 Eurobarometer survey.
The poll found that 65% of respondents across the European Union favor a minimum wealth tax targeting the richest 0.001% of individuals. Support for requiring large multinational companies to pay a minimum level of tax in each country where they operate is even higher, at 80%.
Taxation remains a central issue in Europe, as governments seek to strengthen public finances and ensure fairness in tax systems. Debate has intensified in recent years over whether wealthy individuals and global corporations contribute adequately.
Support for a wealth tax varies widely among EU member states. Hungary recorded the highest backing at 78%, followed by Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Greece, each with support levels above 70%. At the lower end, only 45% in Czechia support the measure, while backing also falls below half in Poland and Denmark.
Among the EU’s four largest economies, support levels are similar. Italy leads with 70%, while Germany and Spain each report 69%. France stands at 65%, matching the EU average.
Experts say perceptions of inequality play a key role in shaping public opinion. Erick Kirchler of the University of Vienna said visible wealth gaps and weaker social safety nets tend to increase demand for higher taxes on the richest individuals.
In contrast, Nordic countries, which have previously abolished wealth taxes, show more limited support. Kirchler said citizens in these countries generally trust existing income and capital tax systems to distribute burdens fairly.
Trust in government institutions also influences attitudes. Caren Sureth-Sloane of Paderborn University said dissatisfaction with governance or concerns about tax avoidance can drive stronger calls for wealth taxes.
Support for taxing multinational companies is stronger across the bloc. The survey shows that 44% of respondents strongly agree and 36% somewhat agree that large companies should pay a minimum amount of tax in each country where they operate.
Greece recorded the highest overall support at 87%, followed by Austria at 86%. Germany, France, Finland, Portugal and Croatia all reported support levels above 80%.
Lower levels of support were observed in Hungary (67%), Latvia (72%), Slovenia (73%), Slovakia (73%) and Czechia (74%).
Analysts say economic strategy may explain some of these differences. Countries that rely heavily on foreign direct investment, such as Hungary and Latvia, may be more cautious about stricter international tax coordination due to concerns about competitiveness.
Public debate around corporate taxation has grown as global technology and retail companies face scrutiny over profit shifting and tax practices. Perceptions of fairness are generally stronger in Western and Nordic Europe, while skepticism remains higher in parts of Eastern Europe.
The findings highlight broad public backing for tax reforms aimed at addressing inequality and ensuring multinational firms contribute more consistently across the EU.
