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Denmark Abolishes Book VAT to Combat Literacy Decline

In a groundbreaking move to address a severe literacy issue, Denmark has abolished its 25% VAT on books, previously one of the world’s highest. The BBC reports this initiative aligns with efforts seen across other Nordic countries, such as Finland’s 14% VAT on books, Sweden’s 6%, and Norway’s 0%. The UK, meanwhile, also maintains a VAT-free status on books. Denmark’s bold strategy is aimed at making reading more affordable to counter declining literacy rates.

A Nation’s Wake-Up Call

The urgency of this policy shift is underscored by data revealing that one in four 15-year-olds in Denmark struggles with basic text comprehension. Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt expressed pride in the VAT abolishment, emphasizing the importance of "investing heavily in Denmark's cultural consumption." If integrated into the 2026 national budget, this policy could cost Denmark approximately 330 million kroner (roughly $40 million USD) annually.

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Compared to its Nordic neighbors, Denmark’s previous VAT rate was an anomaly. Finland, Sweden, and Norway apply significantly lower or no VAT on books. Despite this, only Czechia and Ireland among EU members have joined Denmark's new zero-VAT scheme—a move praised by the Federation of European Publishers as beneficial for society.

The Impact of Reduced Book Prices

While Danish bookstores may soon experience increased activity, the effect is uncertain. After Sweden’s VAT reduction, increased sales mostly came from existing readers. Engel-Schmidt acknowledges the potential downside: "If VAT abolition merely boosts publisher profits without lowering book prices, we may need to reconsider its efficacy."

Public opinion online varies. On Reddit, one user commented optimistically on the VAT removal, suggesting teenagers could have increased access to books. Others doubt substantial changes in buying habits, questioning the price difference’s impact.

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To ensure success, Denmark plans to strengthen ties between libraries and schools, promoting early literary exposure as an essential complement to reduced book prices.

Global Implications

Book taxation rates differ globally, particularly between print and digital publications. In the U.S., sales tax on e-books varies by state, with many states applying the same rate or exempting them in educational contexts. The EU’s upcoming VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) reforms broaden reduced or zero VAT rates on cultural items like books, hinting at a broader policy evolution.

Beyond Fiscal Policies

This initiative reaches beyond fiscal calculations—it's cultural. For Danish youth, eliminating financial barriers to book access could lead to discovering new authors, utilizing libraries more, and developing lifelong reading habits. Books remain a cornerstone of global culture, and high rates of non-readership pose significant cultural challenges. Addressing this through accessible literature is an investment in equity, civic literacy, and shared culture as much as it is in economic activity.

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Should these efforts mirror in countries like the U.S., they might produce dramatic cultural and educational shifts. Independent bookstores could thrive, schools expand their literary compendiums, and individuals might prefer paper to pixels, alleviating screen fatigue. Denmark’s tax reform transcends mere economic strategy; it's a call to cultural renaissance.

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