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EU VAT Policy Gap: Why Policy Choices Affect Fiscal Revenue More Than Compliance

The European Commission has long focused on VAT compliance issues, but the latest research from the Tax Foundation shows that the real revenue losses come from policy choices: the "actionable policy gap" caused by rate reductions and exemptions reached €773.5 billion in 2024, equivalent to 27.1% of potential VAT revenue. Eliminating these inefficient policies would not only increase member state tax revenue but could also reduce standard VAT rates by an average of 5.7 percentage points. This article analyzes the composition of this gap, country differences, and reform paths.

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Rhine River Water Level Drop: A New Concern for European Industrial Competitiveness

The low water level of the Rhine is not an isolated environmental warning, but a structural issue affecting freight, fuel, and chemical supplies in Germany and Northwestern Europe. This article analyzes its far-reaching impact on European industrial competitiveness, supply chain resilience, and climate adaptation policies.

Julian Sterling3 min read

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