The Danish government will abolish its 25% sales tax on books, one of the highest worldwide, in a bid to address a growing “reading crisis.” The reform is expected to cost the state around 330 million kroner (€44 million) annually. OECD data shows that a quarter of Danish 15-year-olds struggle to understand simple texts, sparking concerns about long-term literacy. Surveys also point to declining reading habits among teenagers, often linked to digital distractions. By removing the tax, Denmark aims to make books more affordable and encourage wider readership. The move also brings the country closer to its Nordic neighbors, where VAT on books is significantly lower: 14% in Finland, 6% in Sweden, and zero in Norway. In the UK, books are also tax-free. The measure forms part of a broader cultural strategy that includes strengthening Danish literature exports, adapting to digital publishing, and safeguarding authors’ pay.
Read more on BBC.com, Euronews.com
