The Danish government has officially decided to eliminate the 25% sales tax on books, a measure that is expected to play a vital role in addressing the nation's declining reading rates, particularly among teenagers. This tax, noted to be one of the highest globally, has been identified as a barrier to access for many. Culture Minister Jacob Engel-Schmidt expressed optimism that abolishing the tax would lead to an increase in book sales and encourage a more vibrant reading culture across Denmark. The financial implications of this decision are projected to amount to about 330 million kroner (approximately $50 million) annually.
Statistics from the OECD highlight a concerning trend, revealing that 25% of Danish 15-year-olds struggle to understand basic texts. Engel-Schmidt acknowledged the gravity of the "reading crisis," emphasizing his pride in the government's initiative to invest in Danish culture and literacy. Comparative data show that neighboring countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Norway have significantly lower VAT rates on books, pointing to an opportunity for Denmark to follow suit.
Mads Rosendahl Thomsen, vice-chair of the government's literary working group, noted the unsettling trend in reading and comprehension among adolescents and stressed the importance of nurturing reading skills early. While he acknowledged that removing the tax would not solve the problem entirely, it would certainly make literature more accessible to young readers who face numerous distractions in today's digital age.
In addition to the tax repeal, the working group is investigating ways to enhance the visibility of Danish literature abroad and the implications of digitalization for the book industry and authors' remuneration.
Statistics from the OECD highlight a concerning trend, revealing that 25% of Danish 15-year-olds struggle to understand basic texts. Engel-Schmidt acknowledged the gravity of the "reading crisis," emphasizing his pride in the government's initiative to invest in Danish culture and literacy. Comparative data show that neighboring countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Norway have significantly lower VAT rates on books, pointing to an opportunity for Denmark to follow suit.
Mads Rosendahl Thomsen, vice-chair of the government's literary working group, noted the unsettling trend in reading and comprehension among adolescents and stressed the importance of nurturing reading skills early. While he acknowledged that removing the tax would not solve the problem entirely, it would certainly make literature more accessible to young readers who face numerous distractions in today's digital age.
In addition to the tax repeal, the working group is investigating ways to enhance the visibility of Danish literature abroad and the implications of digitalization for the book industry and authors' remuneration.
