The European Commission Vice President Věra Jourová has expressed her concern over the Czech government’s plans to raise the VAT tax on newspapers from 15 to 21 percent. Jourová believes this price hike would have a devastating effect on printed media, particularly regional and local newspapers.
Jourová highlighted the importance of these newspapers in providing reliable information to the public, especially in a time of fake news and disinformation. She urged the Czech government to reconsider their plans and to find other ways to increase revenue.
The European Commission Vice President’s comments come at a time when many newspapers are struggling to survive due to the shift of advertising to the digital space. Jourová believes that raising the VAT tax on newspapers would only further damage the industry and make it harder for newspapers to stay afloat.