Overview
- SPD health-policy spokesman Christos Pantazis presented a proposal targeting strongly sugared beverages to reduce diet-related disease.
- The design sets charges once drinks exceed 5 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters, with a higher rate above 8 grams, at roughly €0.20 and €0.30 per liter.
- Pantazis estimates the levy would add about €0.10 to a 330 ml can of Coca-Cola and €0.30 to a one-liter bottle under current sugar levels.
- He cites modeling that projects €10.8–16.0 billion in societal savings over 20 years, including up to about €4 billion in health-system savings.
- The approach follows the UK’s 2018 precedent and has backing from Kassenärzte chief Andreas Gassen, but it remains a party proposal awaiting political debate.