Romania Plans Tax Hikes on Dividends, Sugary Drinks, Gambling

Romania’s government plans to raise several taxes to boost state revenue and meet a pledge to the European Union to trim the budget deficit.

After weeks of discussions, the ruling coalition agreed to increase levies on dividends, gambling, some food-related services and on sugary drinks, according to a draft emergency decree published by the Finance Ministry on its website. The cabinet is also seeking to increase excise duties for tobacco and alcohol, while granting some deductions to low earners and for child care.

These measures will help bring in an additional 2.2 billion lei ($465 million) in revenue to this ...