Doc. 8410
7 May 1999

Domestic books free of tax

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Pahor and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

The Assembly,

      Considering the proven fact that, in every nation, culture and language are first expressed in the book – the fundamental constituent of its authenticity ;

      Considering that in the desired process of European integration, culture and language must remain the determining element of every nation, which will unite us in our diversity ;

Asks the Committee of Ministers to advise all the parliaments and governments of member states, especially the parliaments and governments of smaller nations where literary production is under strong economic pressures due to their small markets, to abolish VAT or any other taxes on domestic books in all phases of production and marketing, and not to impose any new taxes in the process of association of their countries with the European community of free, independent nations.

Signed : ¹

Pahor, Slovenia, SOC

Barsony, Hungary, SOC

Eorsi, Hungary, LDR

Gligoroski, "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", EPP/CD

Iwinski, Poland, SOC

Kelam, Estonia, EPP/CD

Martinez, Spain, SOC

Mozetic, Slovenia, EPP/CD

Muehlemann, Switzerland, LDR

Obuljen, Croatia, EPP/CD

Poptodorova, Bulgaria, SOC

Stepova, Czech Republic, SOC

Volcic, Italy, SOC

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group