Estonia’s government agreed to raise alcohol taxes from January to keep the budget deficit within European Union rules.
Alcohol tax rates will be raised by 5 percent to boost revenue by about 10 million euros ($13.4 million), according to an e-mailed statement from Prime Minister Andrus Ansip’s office. The increase must be approved by parliament as part of a budget that targets a 2.1 percent deficit in 2012 after an expected surplus this year.
Next year’s shortfall is mainly due to spending the proceeds from selling spare United Nations carbon permits, which Estonia is required to do by the end of 2012, Finance Minister Juergen Ligi told a news conference in Tallinn today.
Ott Ummelas
Even in France, these days, one cannot buy 90° proof alcohol any longer ... Where are we going?
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