Support for the publishing of books and periodicals in the area of culture is traditionally provided through grant competitions organised by the MC. This includes support also for the publication of Czech literature abroad.
Other areas involved in the promotion of Czech literature abroad are also supported, most notably, participation at international book fairs. Since 2016 the work of preparing Czech national representation at these fairs has been delegated to a contributory organisation of the MC, namely the Moravian Library in Brno. In 2019 the CR was the main guest country at the Leipzig book fair.
In 2017 Czech Literary Centre was established as an agency that operates under the Moravian Library in Brno, and its purpose is to engage in the consistent and systematic promotion of Czech literature and book culture and increase their visibility both abroad and in the CR. It also supports literary residencies.
After lengthy discussions, in 2015 a decrease in the VAT on printed publications to 10% was accepted. Effective 1 May 2020, e-books and audiobooks are also subject to the new lower rate of 10% (down from the previous 21% VAT), as are library user fees (down from 21% VAT), and sales of colouring books and maps (down from 15% VAT).
There is currently a discussion under way in connection with the effects of the COVID-19 crisis and the economic crises about reducing VAT on books to zero. In the days of COVID-19, booksellers had the biggest problem, but now the burden is on publishers because of rising input costs. The Czech publishers are therefore demanding a zero VAT rate. The Finance Ministry is not yet willing to support their efforts, even though a new European directive from this year allows it.
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