The €30 Billion Hole
Picture this: Every year until 2034, the EU must find €25-30 billion—just to service the debt from pandemic recovery funds. That’s equivalent to the entire GDP of Malta, vanishing into spreadsheets. With Germany vetoing increased national contributions, Brussels is hunting for spare change in tourists’ pockets and Shein packages.
The Tourist Trap
Starting late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries (including the US, UK, and Japan) will pay €7 under ETIAS—Europe’s new travel authorization system. The math is grim:
- 215 million net annual revenue after administrative costs
- 0.7% of the EU’s yearly recovery fund debt
A leaked Polish proposal suggests "gradual increases," but even doubling the fee would barely dent the deficit.
The €2 Shein Surcharge
4.6 billion ultra-cheap packages entered the EU tax-free last year. Brussels wants €2 per parcel, arguing:
- Aduanas are overwhelmed inspecting Temu’s €1 T-shirts
- Fast fashion exploits the €150 import loophole
At €9.2 billion potential revenue, this actually could matter—if Chinese platforms don’t just absorb the cost.
Why This Won’t Be Enough
- Military spending: Needs to triple to counter Russia
- Green transition: Requires €800 billion by 2030
- Debt payments: Will consume 20% of the 2028-2034 budget
The Nuclear Options Being Whispered
- Big Tech tax: Von der Leyen’s threat to Trump-era America
- Exit tax: Charging companies relocating headquarters
- Billionaire levy: 1% on fortunes over €100 million
But with Germany’s austerity bloc and France’s far-right surge, even the tourist tax faces rocky negotiations when details drop July 16.
The Real Question
Is Europe trying to fund its future—or just delay admitting it can’t afford its ambitions without political pain? That €7 fee might be the least of your worries.