Maltese MEPs Unite Against Proposed EU Tax on Online Purchases
· Updated
In brief
- Maltese MEPs Peter Agius and Alex Agius Saliba are opposing a proposed €3 EU levy on low-value online purchases.
- MEP Peter Agius estimates this new tax on platforms like Temu and Shein could cost Maltese consumers €15 million annually.
- MEP Alex Agius Saliba has welcomed Mr Agius's stance, stating he has long opposed such a charge.
Maltese Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Peter Agius and Alex Agius Saliba have voiced strong opposition to a proposed €3 European Union levy on low-value online purchases.
MEP Peter Agius warned that this new tax, targeting popular online shopping platforms such as Temu and Shein, could impose a significant financial burden on Maltese consumers. He estimated the annual cost to be around €15 million.
Mr Agius highlighted concerns about the impact on household budgets, particularly for those who rely on these platforms for affordable goods.
In response, Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba welcomed Mr Agius's position, describing it as a shared fight against the proposed EU charge. Mr Agius Saliba stated that he has been opposing such a levy for a considerable period.
The proposed tax aims to apply a €3 charge on parcels ordered from non-EU countries, which are typically low in value. Both MEPs are advocating for measures to protect consumers from what they perceive as an unfair additional cost.
Newsbook reported on Peter Agius's warning regarding the financial implications for Malta, while Lovin Malta covered Alex Agius Saliba's supportive comments and his long-standing opposition to the levy.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Both Newsbook and Lovin Malta reported on the opposition by Maltese MEPs to the proposed EU levy, with consistent factual reporting.