European Union is considering the possibility to maintain the reduced VAT rate on Greek islands that are affected by refugee flows, according to Spiegel.
The German magazine reports that “in a meeting with the European Commissioner Pierre Moskovisi, Alexis Tsipras pointed out that “the Greek government cannot increase VAT on the islands, particularly those affected by the intense flows of refugees from Turkey, such as Lesvos.”
Political context
Mr. Moskovisi reportedly said he would consider it and, according to Spiegel, even the Commission confirmed that Moskovisi and Tsipras spoke of the refugee crisis and the issue of the VAT increase “within the local political context“, as stated characteristically.
On the other hand, though, there seem to be no tangible commitments yet.
For example, the current Luxembourg Presidency in the EU does not exclude that Europeans could sarisfy the Greek request, as its Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn voiced during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras but did not hesitate to add that Greeks should “show a little more political will on the refugee crisis.”
