PRESS RELEASE

-Brussels, 7 December 2021-

Today, EU Finance Ministers (ECOFIN) adopted important amendments to the EU VAT Directive which will allow Member States to zero-rate journalistic publications in print and online.

Wout van Wijk said: “By allowing Member States to zero-rate journalistic publications, Member States recognise the vital role of the press to our democracies”.

News Media Europe intensified its advocacy efforts to allow the zero-rating of journalistic publications in the wake of the COVID19 pandemic to provide immediate relief to the sector.

Previously, zero-rates were as a general rule prohibited under the VAT Directive unless specific derogations were granted to Member States as part of their EU accession treaties.

The European Commission’s 2018 proposal to amend the VAT Directive as regards rates formed the basis for the legal changes highlighted above.

About News Media Europe:

News Media Europe (NME) represents the progressive news media industry in Europe – over 2,500 European news brands in print and online, radio and TV. NME is committed to maintaining and promoting the freedom of the press, to upholding and enhancing the freedom to publish, and to championing the news brands which are one of the most vital parts of Europe’s creative industries.

For further information please contact:

Iacob Gammeltoft (EU policy manager): iacob.gammeltoft@newsmediaeurope.eu

Tw: @NewsmediaEU