Denmark's Bold Move: Abolition of Book Tax to Tackle Reading Crisis

Tue Oct 14 2025 08:32:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Danish government takes a significant step by eliminating the 25% tax on books, aiming to improve literacy among the youth.

Denmark's recent decision to scrap its book tax reflects an urgent response to a growing literacy crisis, with hopes that increased accessibility to literature will enhance reading comprehension among its youth.

In a transformative policy shift, the Danish government has abolished a much-criticized 25% sales tax on books to address what has been termed a "reading crisis" among the nation's youth. Culture Minister Jacob Engel-Schmidt announced that the move is intended to encourage reading, particularly among young people, where statistics show concerning levels of literacy and comprehension.

"Reading has unfortunately been declining among our youths in recent years," Engel-Schmidt observed, stating his pride in the decision to eliminate the tax. The government anticipates the change will cost around 330 million kroner (approximately $50 million), but Engel-Schmidt argued that investing in reading and culture is vital for Denmark's future.

Recent data from the OECD highlighted a troubling trend: one in four Danish fifteen-year-olds struggles to comprehend simple texts, a statistic that has drawn critical attention from educators and policymakers alike. Mads Rosendahl Thomsen, vice-chair of the government's literature working group, expressed concerns over the impacts of distractions in the digital age, which he believes contribute to the issue.

While the abolition of the tax is regarded as a step in the right direction, experts caution it may not resolve the crisis alone. Thomsen emphasized that while reducing the cost of books would enhance their accessibility, broader strategies must be implemented to foster a culture of reading among youth.

In comparison to neighboring countries, Denmark's tax policy was comparatively stringent. Countries like Finland and Sweden have significantly lower VAT rates on books, and in the UK, books are exempt from VAT entirely. This shift in policy aligns with ongoing discussions within the working group, which is also exploring avenues to promote Danish literature internationally and adapt to changes within the digital publishing landscape.

National efforts to revitalize reading among Danish youth will likely depend on a multifaceted approach, integrating financial incentives with educational reforms and cultural strategies.