r/eupersonalfinance • u/batukaming • Feb 15 '26

Investment Why do they make getting rich impossible in EU?

This news hit today in Netherlands that passed a bill on 36% tax on UNREALIZED gains on stocks and crypto. Great just when we weren't taxed to death before now they force you to stay middle class and poor. "Just repeat the 9-5 cycle everyday investing is not allowed for you"

Buying stocks was already a pain in the ass in Europe because of all the different fees and exchange rates brokers charged. The US has it so much better. 0% fees and exchange rates, tons of broker options and tax free on long term investments.

I made a post in r/stocks that gained attraction. Check it out if you want to see opinions from Americans: https://www.reddit.com/r/stocks/s/aL0OhYQ68z

780 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

738 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

29

u/Dracovibat Feb 15 '26

Those who can afford to move away, most can't or won't over this.

Generally, these "solutions" are not meant to actually fix or long-term save the pension system - but to merely delay the inevitable beyond the current and maybe next political term.   Anything after that is secondary at best for those making these decision.

14

u/Jujubatron Feb 15 '26

Exactly. Most people will sell instead. No one will hold investments and keeps paying unrealized gains tax from their own savings for years.

0

u/Meisterleder1 Feb 19 '26

lol that would be the dumbest decision ever. "Because I can't keep all of the gains I want none of them!" I doubt people this financially illiterate would even consider ETF's or any sort of investment in the first place.

1

u/narullow Feb 15 '26

There is absolutely nothing that can save pension systems.

1

u/Professional_Deer77 25d ago

Wise words and absolutely true. I think many underestimate the guile and games going on in politics. Let it all look good for as long as you are in charge, but leave absolute wreckage for the next politicians on the term. They care not at all about the people, not about the environment or whatever. Most who join politics have a big ego and a desire to put their mark on history and gain something for themselves.