In Interez.sk, the Slovak retail chain Billa reported a loss of nearly €8 million in 2025 despite rising revenues, citing the impact of the national transaction tax, higher costs and increased thefts. The article also highlights analysis from INESS, as part of the Epicenter network’s Alternative EU Budget project, showing that the proposed new EU corporate resource (CORE) would require Billa to pay approximately €750,000 to the EU budget even while making a loss. The analysis warns that such a turnover-based levy would apply regardless of profitability, further undermine European competitiveness and encroach on national tax competences.