Europe · Business news · Policy & Regulation · 08 Sept 2026
EU Financials Energy Utilities
Italy's co-ruling League party said on 8 September that banks should contribute up to €3bn to next year's budget, proposing a 5% levy on profits that it estimates would raise €2bn–€3bn for families, businesses and security. Economy minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, a League member, defended heavier taxation by pointing to rents and weak competition in banking. The sum would come on top of about €12bn the government already aims to collect from banks and insurers through 2028 under the 2026 budget. Coalition partner Forza Italia opposes a new levy and wants any contribution agreed with companies as advance tax payments. The League also wants large energy groups to help fund price relief.
The proposal targets the profit line of Italian lenders — Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, Banco BPM, BPER and Monte dei Paschi — at a time when several of them are also engaged in takeover offers for one another. A levy on profits reduces distributable earnings directly, whereas the advance-payment model favoured by Forza Italia shifts the timing of tax and creates a later credit. Insurers and energy groups such as Eni and Enel are named as further possible contributors. It is a party proposal inside a divided coalition, not a government bill.
Reported by Global Banking & Finance Review (Reuters) — “Italy targets banks in revenue hunt for 2027 budget” ↗ on 08 Sept 2026.
Official series on 08 Sept 2026 or the last day before it, and the latest observation.
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