Newsletter March

Taxation: Council adopts VAT in the digital age package

The Council has officially adopted the “VAT in the Digital Age” package, modernizing EU VAT rules to reflect the digital transformation of the economy. By 2030, VAT reporting for cross-border business sales will be fully digitalized, online platforms will be required to collect VAT on short-term rentals and passenger transport where providers do not charge it, and online VAT one-stop-shops will be expanded to ease cross-border compliance. The new directive, regulation, and implementing regulation will soon enter into force, aiming to boost competitiveness, reduce administrative burdens, and fight VAT fraud across the EU.

You can read more about it here.

Commission launches ‘Virtual Worlds Toolbox’ to help citizens explore new digital spaces

The European Commission has launched the Virtual Worlds Toolbox, an online guide to help citizens navigate and safely engage with virtual environments for work, learning, and gaming. Part of the 2023 EU Strategy on Web 4.0 and Virtual Worlds, the toolbox explains how virtual worlds function, outlines user rights, and offers advice on cybersecurity and protection against disinformation. This initiative supports digital education, inclusion, and safety, aligning with citizens’ recommendations and the broader goal of shaping open and secure digital spaces in the EU.

You can read more about it here and here.

Code of Conduct on Disinformation: Signatories publish their latest reports in the Code’s Transparency Centre

Signatories of the Code of Conduct on Disinformation — including Google, Meta, Microsoft, and TikTok — have published their latest reports detailing actions taken to combat disinformation, particularly regarding the Ukraine war, the Hamas-Israel conflict, and election integrity. These reports, covering July to December 2024, are available in the Code’s Transparency Centre. From 1 July 2025, the Code will officially become part of the Digital Services Act (DSA)framework, serving as a benchmark for compliance under Article 35.

You can read more about it here.