Answer given by Mr Gentiloni on behalf of the European Commission

Since 6 April 2022, new VAT rules[1] have enabled Member States to reduce their VAT rates, down to 0%, on certain goods that address basic needs, including foodstuffs[2]. A reduction in the VAT rate is optional for Member States to apply.

Only if this is translated into lower prices for end customers, it could support the affordability of food. For details concerning various other measures put in motion by the Commission and/or available to Member States to alleviate the impact of the price increase on foodstuffs, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answers to questions P-002140/2022, P-001289/2022, E-000936/2022 and E-001020/2022.

• [1] Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of 5 April 2022 amending Directives 2006/112/EC and (EU) 2020/285 as regards rates of value added tax (OJ L 107, 6.4.2022, p. 1).
• [2] See Annex III of Council Directive 2006/112/EC of 28 November 2006 on the common system of value added tax (OJ L 347, 11.12.2006, p. 1) as amended.