(de-news.net) – Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche (CDU) opposes a digital tax on major US tech firms, as proposed by Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer. Reiche emphasized the need to reduce trade barriers and improve competitive conditions for domestic and European digital companies, advocating for deregulation and greater scope for innovation and growth.

On his part, CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn expressed skepticism about the proposed “platform solidarity levy.” He highlighted the limited tax contributions of companies like Amazon, acknowledging the issue’s fairness but emphasizing ongoing negotiations with the US and warning against escalation that could harm Europe.

SPD’s Dirk Wiese, on the other hand, rejected calls to abandon the tax, citing tech firms’ avoidance of responsibility through minimal taxation. He conceded that implementation must be timed in light of current trade talks with the US, yet called for continued discussion in the interest of fairness for SMEs. Green Party leader Franziska Brantner criticized prevailing intra-governmental disagreements and urged swift action. She argued that delaying reform would reinforce monopolistic dominance and weaken Europe’s digital sovereignty. The Greens are advocating for a location-based taxation model aligned with the principle of economic equity.

Meanwhile, Weimer, who had first brought the subject on the table in May, defended his position, asserting that the dominant market power of tech giants must be curbed. He proposed a 10-percent levy on advertising revenue and signaled willingness to act unilaterally if EU consensus remains elusive. Talks with the companies are ongoing, with Weimer inviting counter-proposals but insisting structural change is necessary.