In brief
In a significant move to address a growing "reading crisis," the Danish government has decided to eliminate a hefty 25% sales tax on books, with hopes of boosting literacy and reading habits among teenagers.
The Danish government has taken a bold step to revitalize reading habits among its youth by abolishing a 25% sales tax on books, a decision announced by Culture Minister Jacob Engel-Schmidt. This measure is seen as a response to alarming statistics indicating that nearly 25% of 15-year-old Danes struggle with basic text comprehension. The government's initiative, expected to cost an annual 330 million kroner ($50 million), aims to make books more accessible, partly influenced by similar tax structures in neighboring Nordic countries which impose lower or no VAT on books. Engel-Schmidt expressed pride in this decision and emphasized the need to invest in cultural consumption. Meanwhile, literature experts have highlighted the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the decline in reading habits among the younger population, attributing distractions and alternatives as key factors. The government's ongoing discussions also focus on enhancing the reach of Danish literature and the effects of digitalization on authors' earnings.
