- The European Commission has issued a reasoned opinion to Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain and Romania for failing to fully transpose Directive 2022/542 on VAT rates, missing the 31 December 2024 deadline.
- This Directive enables Member States to apply reduced or zero VAT rates on essential items such as food, pharmaceuticals and medical products, to promote affordability and accessibility.
- The five countries have two months to respond and correct the transposition shortcomings; if they fail to do so, the Commission may refer them to the Court of Justice and seek financial penalties.
Source ec.europa.eu
