The VAT increase on theaters, museums, books and sports in 2026 is being canceled. The opposition parties in the House of Representatives have forced this on the cabinet.
GL-PvdA, D66, CDA, ChristenUnie, SGP, Volt and JA21 have submitted a joint motion calling on the cabinet to find an alternative to the controversial increase.
This amounts to a total of 1.2 billion euros, with the increase for accommodation and hotels being maintained.
This means that books and subscriptions, including digital, remain subject to 9 percent VAT. The editors-in-chief of regional newspapers called on Monday not to allow the plans to go ahead.
General secretary Thomas Bruning of the NVJ professional association regards the proposal as a very positive interim result for the time being. ‘Partly due to intensive lobbying, for which publishers and journalists, NDP news media and NVJ, together with representatives from sports and culture, fought hard. Now it is important that postponement actually becomes adjustment.’
Source: www.emerce.nl
