Parliament approved the special levy on retailers
Parliament approved the special levy on retailers, totaling 2.5% of their net sales. Only large retailers, such as Tesco, Lidl, Kaufland and Billa will pay it, and even these only from sales in developed districts. The government expects €87m annual revenue, and analysts expect higher food prices. The government aims to use the revenue to prop up local farmers and food producers, but no details have been disclosed.
Retailers will challenge the levy at courts and in Brussels. It seems likely the EU will strike the levy down.
