European Parliament Explores VAT Policy, Data Bias, and Solutions to Menstrual Poverty During Gender Equality Week

• The FISC Subcommittee held a hearing to examine how VAT policy and data bias affect menstrual poverty.
• Experts and MEPs discussed that VAT reductions alone may not sufficiently address menstrual poverty, as some retailers raise prices after VAT cuts.
• Free distribution schemes were highlighted as potentially more effective, with requests for guidance on optimal programme design.
• Concerns were raised about menstrual poverty’s impact on school attendance, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
• MEPs called for better integration of gender equality considerations into the Commission’s tax policy assessments.

Source: etaf.tax

Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.

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