The annual cost for this initiative will be around 330 million kroner ($50 million). Reports from the OECD reveal that approximately one in four Danish 15-year-olds struggle to comprehend basic texts. Engel-Schmidt expressed optimism about increasing book consumption to enhance the cultural landscape in Denmark.
Similar countries like Finland, Sweden, and Norway have lower VAT rates for books, which already encourages reading among their youth. Despite the tax cut, experts believe it won’t completely resolve the issue but will indeed make books more affordable for young readers. Mads Rosendahl Thomsen from the literature working group emphasized that while younger children can rapidly improve their reading skills, comprehension becomes an essential challenge at the age of 15.
Amid digital distractions, the hope is that this tax removal will lead to more engagement with books and enhance understanding in Danish teens. The group is also exploring ways to promote Danish literature abroad and improve the digital book market.
Similar countries like Finland, Sweden, and Norway have lower VAT rates for books, which already encourages reading among their youth. Despite the tax cut, experts believe it won’t completely resolve the issue but will indeed make books more affordable for young readers. Mads Rosendahl Thomsen from the literature working group emphasized that while younger children can rapidly improve their reading skills, comprehension becomes an essential challenge at the age of 15.
Amid digital distractions, the hope is that this tax removal will lead to more engagement with books and enhance understanding in Danish teens. The group is also exploring ways to promote Danish literature abroad and improve the digital book market.
