Bulgaria has the right to temporarily reduce VAT on alcohol, the European Commission said in response to a question from the Dnevnik portal. Following a proposal sent to parliament to reduce VAT on beer and wine from 20% to 9%, there were opinions that this was contrary to European Directive 2006/112 / EC. Brussels said that Member States already have the right to reduce VAT on alcohol for consumption on the spot.

The European Commission has already offered Member States to show flexibility on the issue of business debts and VAT during the Covid-19 pandemic, and many have taken urgent measures to support the tourism and restaurant sector, the reply said.