17/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - Commission says Hungary must levy a single rate of excise duty on spirits. On Wednesday 16 April, the European Commission asked Hungary to change its rules whereby two very different rates of excise duty are levied on spirits, depending on the ingredients and how it was distilled. The two rates run contrary to the EU directive on the structure of excise duty, which states that a single rate must apply to all alcoholic drinks, depending on how much alcohol they contain. Following receipt of the Commission's reasoned opinion, Hungary now has two months in which to comply, failing which the Commission may take the country to the European Court of Justice. (EL)