A cross-party group of 55 MEPs led by Bruno Gonçalves (S&D) has tabled a parliamentary question pressing the European Commission to propose a tax on windfall profits of oil and gas companies, arguing that extraordinary gains from the Middle East conflict should not be borne disproportionately by citizens and businesses.
The question, submitted on 17 April 2026 under Rule 142, targets the Commission with three concrete asks: whether it will propose a windfall profit tax, why national revenues from the existing solidarity contribution vary, and how to improve the design of Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 to better capture such profits.
Policy orientation and ambition The MEPs frame the measure as a temporary solidarity contribution, echoing the 2022 regulation adopted during the Ukraine war. They argue that supply restrictions have distorted energy markets, creating windfalls for large energy companies. The question does not specify numerical targets but calls for optimising coverage of windfall profits, signalling a push for broader or more effective taxation.
Expected follow-up The Commission must reply within approximately six weeks, by late May or early June 2026. The answer will indicate whether the executive is willing to revisit the 2022 framework or propose new measures, and will signal its policy direction on energy taxation amid the current crisis.
Stakeholders impacted - EU consumers and businesses: would benefit from potential revenue redistribution to offset high energy costs. - Oil and gas companies: face higher tax liabilities if a new levy is imposed. - National governments: would need to implement and harmonise any new tax, addressing disparities in current collection. - EU institutions: the Commission must balance fiscal sovereignty with calls for EU-level action.
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