Wealth inequality is evident worldwide, including in Europe. As of early 2025, the wealthiest 5% of the population in the eurozone controlled 45% of net household wealth, while the top 10% held 57.4%, according to the European Central Bank (ECB).
This concentration of wealth keeps the debate over wealth taxes at the centre of discussions in many countries. Most recently, French billionaire Bernard Arnault strongly opposed a proposed 2% levy on citizens with assets over €100 million, calling it “an offensive that is deadly for our economy”.
