EU’s ViDA in Motion: How EU Member States Are Preparing for implementing Digital Reporting Requirements (DRR)

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All you need to know about VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) – VATupdate

Introduction

Countries are preparing for the EU’s VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) initiative through national implementation plans and phased strategies aligned with the EU’s roadmap. Key points include:

The ViDA package was adopted in March 2025, effective from April 2025, allowing Member States to start mandating electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) domestically without prior approval from the EU. Full mandatory cross-border B2B e-invoicing is planned by July 1, 2030.
Countries like the Netherlands have unveiled multi-phase national plans. The Dutch approach involves four phases: policy research and stakeholder consultation until 2028, legislative framework development by 2028, technical adaptations from 2028 to 2030, and full enforcement starting July 2030. This phased rollout helps especially SMEs adjust smoothly.
Sweden is preparing with a focus on national e-invoicing mandates and digital VAT reporting strategies, actively engaging businesses and stakeholders to ensure readiness.
The European Commission supports coordinated implementation through technical guidance, workshops, stakeholder dialogues, and common standards like EN16931 for e-invoices.
Some countries are running or participating in ViDA pilots, such as those based on the Peppol standard, to test interoperable e-invoicing systems.
Member States are urged to align their systems, including national real-time reporting systems, with the centralized EU framework by 2035, promoting harmonization and fraud reduction across the EU.
The implementation plan also includes expanded VAT obligations for digital platforms and simplified VAT registration processes (the expanded One-Stop Shop) to improve compliance in the digital economy.

In summary, EU countries are preparing for ViDA through legislative updates, technical system development, stakeholder engagement, pilot testing, and coordinated alignment efforts with the European Commission’s phased rollout timetable aiming for full application in 2030-2035

Netherlands Sets Out Four-Phase Plan for Implementing EU ViDA

Release of Implementation Roadmap: The Dutch Ministry of Finance has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for the EU’s “VAT in the Digital Age” (ViDA) initiative, detailing a four-phase approach to prepare the Netherlands for new cross-border B2B e-invoicing and digital reporting obligations set to begin on July 1, 2030.
Four-Phase Approach: The implementation will unfold over four phases: Phase 1 involves policy research and stakeholder consultations until 2028; Phase 2 focuses on establishing the legislative framework by the end of 2028; Phase 3 encompasses technical development from 2028 to 2030 for businesses to adapt their systems; and Phase 4 marks the official enforcement of ViDA obligations starting July 1, 2030.
Support for SMEs and Alignment with EU Standards: This staged transition aims to provide ample time for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to adjust to the new requirements while ensuring that national implementations are in line with EU standards for efficient near real-time VAT reporting.

Slovakia

Alignment with ViDA Package: The proposed amendments to the VAT law are designed to implement the EU Directive 2025/516 (ViDA package), which modernizes VAT rules to better fit digital economies and enhance compliance.
Mandatory E-Invoicing and Reporting: Effective January 1, 2027, the law mandates e-invoicing and real-time reporting for domestic B2B transactions, reflecting ViDA’s emphasis on digital reporting requirements to streamline VAT processes.
Extension to Cross-Border Transactions: The requirement for mandatory e-invoicing will extend to foreign VAT-registered taxable persons for EU cross-border transactions by July 1, 2030, in accordance with ViDA’s goals to facilitate smoother cross-border trade.

Sweden Prepares for ViDA Directive with National E-Invoicing and Digital VAT Strategy Inquiry

Call for National Inquiry: On July 3, 2025, Sweden’s Tax Delegation (NSD) formally requested the Ministry of Finance to initiate a public inquiry into the implementation of e-invoicing and digital reporting, highlighting the need for careful consideration of various design choices under the EU’s ViDA framework.
Key Areas of Focus: The NSD’s submission emphasizes critical decisions that Sweden must make independently, including the reporting of domestic B2B transactions, inclusion of VAT-exempt transactions, establishment of technical standards for e-invoicing, and definition of penalties for non-compliance.
Engagement with Businesses: Concurrently, the Swedish Tax Agency is conducting an online survey to gather business insights on e-invoicing, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and transparency as the country prepares for the upcoming digital VAT transformation.

Join the LinkedIn Group on ”VAT in the Digital Age” (VIDA), click HERE