Germany news: Sugar tax plan leaves sour taste

Germany news: Sugar tax plan leaves sour taste August 26, 2026What you need to know - Germany's proposed sugar tax is facing opposition from both inside and outside the ruling coalition - Environmentalist Greens question the purpose of the levy and conservative politicians warn it could add to everyday costs - Meanwhile, German Cabinet members, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are meeting for a second day at Neuhardenberg Castle in Brandenburg - Germany's exporters are feeling more confident about future sales abroad Here is a roundup of top stories from and about Germany on Wednesday, August 26, 2026: Tired of missing our real-time updates? Click here to add DW as a Preferred Source on Google. Welcome to our coverage Guten Tag from DW's newsroom in Bonn. You join us as Germany’s planned sugar tax is proving politically unpalatable, with criticism now coming from both the Greens and the conservative Christian Democrats. Meanwhile, German Cabinet members, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are meeting for a second day at Neuhardenberg Castle in Brandenburg. German ministers are expected to brief reporters on the outcome of the meetings. Also, German exporters are sounding more upbeat than they have in years. The Ifo economic institute says the export economy is “gaining momentum,” with demand from the European Union looking especially strong. Stay with us here for these stories and more of what Germany is talking about today.