Malta opposition leader Alex Borg defended his proposal to cut VAT on restaurants and kiosks from 18% to 7%, arguing it would benefit around 3,000 catering businesses. Finance Minister Clyde Caruana opposed the measure, citing a €140 million cost that would match the 2024 tax cut and only benefit a small sector. Borg accused Caruana of branding restaurateurs as thieves.
He proposes reducing the VAT from 18% to 7%.
The cost is estimated at €140 million.
Approximately 3,000 catering establishments would benefit.
He argues the €140 million cost equals the 2024 tax cut and only benefits a small sector, while the tax cut and energy subsidies benefit a larger population.
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Zampa Partners · 22 days ago
Zampa Partners is hosting a conference on 25 March to explore how evolving financial services models, such as fintech and embedded finance, challenge traditional VAT positions. The event will feature panels on VAT exemptions, case law, and practical compliance strategies, and is accredited for 3.75 hours of CPE by the Malta Institute of Accountants.
Global Banking & Finance Review · about 7 hours ago
Spain has proposed cutting the VAT on fuel from 21% to 10% as part of a €5 billion support package to mitigate the economic impact of the Iran war. The measures also suspend the hydrocarbon excise duty, eliminate a 5% electricity consumption tax, and grant a 20‑cent per litre subsidy for farming and transport sectors. The proposals await parliamentary approval and are aimed at reducing fuel prices by 30–40 cents per litre.
Forecourt Trader · about 11 hours ago
UK tribunal judge ruled that public EV charging should be taxed at the 5% domestic electricity rate rather than the 20% commercial rate, based on a de‑minimis threshold of 1,000 kWh per month. The decision, made after a challenge by Deloitte for Charge My Street, applies to B2C usage but leaves B2B charging at 20% pending further guidance. HMRC may appeal, but the ruling could reduce the ‘pavement tax’ on public charging.
Catalan News · about 11 hours ago
Spain announced a €5 billion anti‑crisis package that cuts VAT on fuels, electricity and gas from 21% to 10% and extends the social electricity bonus until December 2026. The plan also provides an 80% toll rebate for exposed industries and 20 cents per litre aid for the agricultural sector.
VatCalc · about 12 hours ago
Spain has announced a temporary reduction of fuel VAT from 21% to 10% as part of an emergency indirect tax package aimed at easing inflation caused by Middle East conflict. The package also suspends excise duties on hydrocarbons, scraps a 5% electricity consumption tax, and mirrors the 2022 VAT inflation shield.
Spanish News Today · 1 day ago
Spain has temporarily lowered VAT on petrol, electricity and natural gas from 21% to 10% as part of a €5bn cost‑of‑living package announced by President Pedro Sánchez. The Royal Decree‑Law will take effect after publication in the Official State Gazette on 21 March 2026, and includes reductions in excise duties and electricity taxes.
