Slovakia’s parliament has passed new laws to increase taxes on sugary drinks and tobacco products as part of efforts to reduce the country’s budget deficit. The tax on sweetened non-alcoholic beverages is expected to generate additional revenue of €85 million in 2025 and €117 million in 2026, while the tax on e-cigarettes and tobacco products is forecasted to bring in €15 million in 2025, rising to €126 million in 2026.
These tax increases are part of a broader plan to reduce Slovakia’s budget deficit, which is currently one of the highest in the European Union. Prime Minister Robert Fico aims to decrease the deficit to less than 3% of GDP by 2025 through a combination of tax hikes and spending cuts.
The Slovak soft drinks and mineral waters association has criticized the tax increase, calling it discriminatory. However, sugar taxes are not unique to Slovakia, with several other European countries, including France, Denmark, and the United Kingdom, already implementing similar measures to address health concerns related to sugar consumption.
While sugar taxes have led to a reduction in the sale of sugary drinks in some countries, their impact on overall obesity rates has been less clear. Public health experts emphasize the importance of broader public health campaigns and initiatives to accompany sugar taxes for them to be fully effective in reducing obesity rates.
Slovakia’s move to increase taxes on sugary drinks and tobacco products reflects a broader trend in the EU, with countries like Italy, Hungary, and Romania also struggling to reduce budget deficits. By implementing these tax increases, Slovakia hopes to improve its fiscal health while also promoting healthier consumption habits among its citizens.
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