Brussels, 23rd May, 2011 – Newspaper publishers from all over Europe today called for zero or the lowest possible rates of VAT to be applied to both print and digital editions, in view of the vital role of newspapers in democratic society. European Newspaper Publishers’ Association (ENPA) sent this message to EU institutions and Member States, ahead of the 31st May deadline for the European Commission’s public consultation on VAT.

The zero and reduced rates for printed editions provided in many Member States help to ease consumer access to newspapers, but standard VAT rates apply to digital newspapers. ENPA therefore called for the EU VAT system to be updated to take account of technological change.

Publishers stressed the important function of newspapers in providing a diverse range of news, views and analysis to citizens every day. Ivar Rusdal, President of ENPA, said: “Newspapers play an essential role in society by stimulating open debate and promoting active citizenship. Any changes to the current VAT system should promote, rather than hinder, access to authoritative news and information that is central to democratic society.”

The current zero VAT for print newspapers in a number of Member States has made a substantial contribution to public policy goals and its maintenance is essential.  Furthermore, ENPA believes that extending zero or reduced VAT rates on print editions to newspapers on all formats would bring real consumer, cultural and economic benefits.

This extension would boost the competitiveness of the European press sector and promote jobs in the industry at local, regional and national level. It would also reduce the administrative burden on publishing houses, many of them SMEs, which currently have to calculate different VAT rates for print and digital publications.

Francine Cunningham, Executive Director of ENPA, said: “Extending the existing VAT rates for printed editions to newspapers in all formats would help to achieve the goal of a vibrant European digital market for paid-for content. Providing the lowest possible VAT rate for newspapers on all formats would also promote the role of news media in the education, lifelong learning and media literacy of European citizens.”

About ENPA:

The European Newspaper Publishers’ Association (ENPA) promotes the professional interests of the European newspaper and news media publishing industry on all platforms.  ENPA members represent over 5,200 national, regional and local newspaper titles, published in 23 European Union Member States, plus Norway and Switzerland. More than 150 million newspapers are sold and read by over 300 million Europeans every day, in addition to many millions of unique daily visits to over 2,500 newspaper websites.
Background paper in annex: Warsaw Resolution on VAT, adopted at the ENPA General Assembly in Warsaw, Poland, on 20th May, 2011.

For further information contact:
Francine Cunningham, ENPA Executive Director
Email: francine.cunningham@enpa.be
Tel: 0032 02 551 01 90