Culture, journalism, and sports sectors praise decision to drop VAT hike plans

The Collective Promotion for the Dutch Book (CPNB) is very pleased with the decision not to raise VATs on culture, media, and sport from 9 to 21 percent. The book association said this partly on behalf of sports associations NOC*NSF and the KNVB and cultural associations like Kunsten ’92 and the Dutch Association of Event Makers.

“With this reversal of the decision to increase the VAT, the politicians are making good on their word. This brings an end to a year of uncertainty for our sectors. This political support brings calm so that we can continue working on a country where culture, sport, newspapers, books, and events connect, inspire, and enrich,” the statement read.

According to the CPNB, the solution makes it possible for millions of people to continue to visit museums, continue to play sports, and continue to go to festivals. “It is now also possible for four million books to be read by Dutch readers and for hundreds of thousands of people to continue to read their newspaper. And it is a relief for the 500,000 people who are working on being a fit, cultural, and creative country. We are very happy with it.”

The Dutch Association of Journalists (NVJ) also spoke about their pleasure with the news. The association’s general manager, Thomas Bruining, gave his thoughts in a statement. “It is crucial that newspapers and digital media remain available for everyone,” Bruining said.

“It is of great importance that the public has access to reliable information during these times of fake news and the growing stream of misinformation. This includes people in the Netherlands that have less money to spend,” Bruining added.

However, the NVJ is still concerned by the proposed cuts on the public broadcasters, the trade union, and the media sector. “If those plans proceed, then that will not contribute to a healthy Dutch media landscape,” he said.

The Dutch football association, the KNVB, expressed its gratitude that the plans have been reversed. “This is a huge boost for everyone on and outside the pitch,” the association said in response to the news. “Sport is a basic need and an investment into health. Sports provide a place for people to come together and battle for the same goals. On thousands of amateur pitches or in the stadiums of professional clubs, football remains accessible for everyone.”

When it comes to football, the decision not to raise the VAT means that there will be no ticket increases for fans, the KNVB said. “There is space for amateur clubs to continue to grow because the seven million euros investment into youth and amateur football will now continue. Millions of Dutch people will continue having the opportunity to play sports, and matches at all levels will continue to be able to connect people.”