On Wednesday 3 May, the MEPs of the committee on economic and monetary affairs of the European Parliament almost unanimously adopted the report by Belgium's Tom Vandenkendelaere (EPP) on reduced rates of VAT. The report was adopted by 48 votes to one with two abstentions.
It recommends that online publications (books and magazines) enjoy the same tax treatment as physical publications.
“Member states will have the option to apply the same reduced, super-reduced or 0% VAT rate to e-books and electronic newspapers and magazines that is already applicable to printed publications”, Vandenkendelaere explained after the vote.
Currently, online publications are taxed at a minimum rate of 15% and do not qualify for the application of reduced rates. For its part, the Council has yet to reach an agreement (Parliament's vote is purely consultative). (Original version in French by Élodie Lamer)