EU Considers Broader Levy to Tax Big Tech

The Financial Times reported on October 7, 2026, that Brussels is considering changes to its Corporate Resource for Europe (CORE) proposal so companies operating in the EU with revenue above €100 million a year would pay an annual lump-sum contribution. The move is framed as a way to raise more from large groups including Apple, Google and Meta without a pure digital tax. In its current form CORE sets a fixed annual levy of €100,000 to €750,000; an estimated €6.8 billion a year is cited if implemented. CORE forms part of the EU’s new own resources package for the 2028-2034 budget period. An EU official told the FT some capitals oppose a pure digital tax to avoid upsetting the Americans and many more oppose CORE as it stands, with expansion to cover pretty much all the big companies offered as the solution. A Commission spokesperson told Reuters the executive remains ready to support Council and Parliament agreement on the package as essential to financing joint priorities. Trump threatened in June a 100% tariff on goods from any country imposing a digital services tax on US firms; the USTR office has argued such taxes discriminate against US companies. Apple, Google, Meta and the CCIA did not immediately respond to Reuters. Details of any revised levy remain under discussion.