09/05/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 7 May, the European Publishers’ Federation welcomed the position taken by the European Parliament on reduced VAT for ebooks. ‘This is another step toward a result we’ve been advocating for many years. We hope the Council will take into account the Parliament’s opinion – which we’re confident will be confirmed in Plenary – and proceed towards a swift adoption of this much-needed provision; said the federation’s president, Henrique Mota. A report adopted by a committee in Parliament last week recommends that online publications (books and journals) should have the same reduced tax as paper publications. At present, VAT of at least 15% is levied on ebooks and ejournals, which are not eligible for reduced rates. The Council has not yet given signs of agreement (Parliament’s vote is simply advisory). (EL)